Reply to D.C. Marajuana legalization-What can Congress actually do?

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Reply to "D.C. Marajuana legalization-What can Congress actually do?"

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[quote=Anonymous]The U.S. Constitution grants Congress "exclusive jurisdiction" over the District of Columbia as it is considered a federal district, and not a state.  Granted, the passage of the Home Rule Act in 1973 did delegate local responsibilities to a mayor and a 13 member city council HOWEVER...

SEC. 601 of the Home Rule Act clearly states, [i]Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the Congress of the United States reserves the right, at any time, to exercise its constitutional authority as legislature for the District, by enacting legislation for the District on any subject, whether within or without the scope of legislative power granted to the Council by this Act, including legislation to amend or repeal any law in force in the District prior to or after enactment of this Act and any act passed by the Council.[/i]

So basically to answer your question of what can Congress do, the answer is whatever the hell they please.  They can overturn Initiative 71 and outlaw marijuana in the District, they can make it a full-fledged Federal offense if they want.  They can make it a misdemeanor to wear heels without stockings, they can make it legal for anyone who's name starts with "W" to double park on Wednesdays.  Congress still has exclusive jurisdiction.  They basically just loaned responsibility for handling city affairs to the mayor and city council for a while but Congress can take it back at any time on any subject.[/quote]

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