WASHINGTON — House lawmakers passed two more bills this week that alter Washington, D.C.'s local laws, focusing on judicial appointments and police pursuits. Republicans behind the effort say these changes will make D.C. safer, while Democrats and D.C. leaders argue it's an attack on the city's self-governance, or "home rule."

Changes to Judicial Appointments

The first bill approved would dismantle D.C.'s Judicial Nominations Commission, which currently recommends candidates for superior and appeals court judges to the president. Under the proposed legislation, the President of the United States would have the direct authority to nominate judges. Republicans argue this change is necessary to address the city's judge shortage, blaming the local commission for delays. However, D.C. leaders

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