Norton Condemns Cloud Disapproval Resolution to Block D.C. Vaccine Bill

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) condemned a resolution (H.J.Res. 25) introduced by Representative Michael Cloud (R-TX) that would disapprove the District of Columbia's Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2020, which would permit minors to receive a vaccine without parental consent. Norton is confident the House will not take up the resolution.

"I have prevented almost all anti-home-rule bills from becoming law, even when Democrats are in the minority," Norton said. "Now, with Democrats in control of the House, the Senate, and the presidency, this resolution doesn't have a sliver of hope. Instead, it provides a clear example of why D.C. statehood is necessary. Until D.C. has statehood, Republicans will continue to interfere in local D.C. matters."

Congress passed the Home Rule Act in 1973 to give D.C. a locally elected government, but D.C. bills must be transmitted to Congress for a 30- or 60-day review period before they can take effect. A bill takes effect at the expiration of the review period unless a resolution of disapproval is enacted into law during that period. The Minor Consent for Vaccinations Amendment Act of 2020 is scheduled to take effect on March 15, 2021. Norton has prevented any disapproval resolutions from being enacted into law since 1991. In January, she reintroduced a bill that would eliminate the congressional review period for D.C. legislation, enabling D.C. bills to take effect immediately.

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a companion disapproval resolution (S.J.Res. 7). Yesterday, he asked for unanimous consent (UC) on the Senate floor to pass the resolution. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) objected to the UC request and therefore the request was denied.

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