The new barrier in front of the Capitol is proving to be more than just an eyesore. According to D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, the fence, which was installed after the deadly riots in the Capitol building on January 6, is preventing D.C. lawmakers from delivering their bills to Congress. Staff are reportedly not being allowed to pass the fencing. Congress has to give the final say on D.C. legislation.
“We have to be able to deliver our bills to Congress.” -CM Mendelson
— Lorenzo Hall (@LorenzoHall) February 1, 2021
DC Council Chair, Phil Mendelson says because of fence around Capitol, they can’t deliver bills to Congress —to pass permanent legislation.
Congress has final say on DC laws. @wusa9 #DCStatehood pic.twitter.com/Dl4PXn4Jmg
UNREAL >> DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson says staff CANNOT get through US Capitol fence...
— Mike Valerio (@MikevWUSA) February 1, 2021
To deliver legislation for Congress to approve.
DC laws need Congressional approval.
Phil Mendelson says DC faces a LITERAL barrier to laws getting through.@WUSA9 @CBSNews #breaking
According to Mendelson, at least 60 bills are now waiting on the sidelines. He called it an "irrational and unsustainable situation."
The chairman also argued that this debacle gives weight to their calls for D.C. statehood.
"It just speaks to why we ought to have statehood," he said. "They're not thinking of us when they put the fence up around the Capitol, but it affects us."
Last week, when Capitol Police announced that a new barrier would be a permanent fixture in front of the Capitol, most everyone agreed it was a terrible idea because it didn't exactly feel like the People's House anymore.
I am vehemently against this proposal. The events of January 6th were disgusting, but they underline the need for better planning & preparation. The answer isn't turning the Capitol into a military fortress. The people's house must always be open to the people. https://t.co/2qDUGOSJDG
— Phil Mendelson (@ChmnMendelson) January 28, 2021