[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 161 (Monday, October 2, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E923-E924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 
                             RESIDENCY ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 2, 2023

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce the Commission of Fine 
Arts District of Columbia Residency Act. This bill would require that a 
majority of the members of the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) be 
District of Columbia residents.
  Under federal law and presidential executive orders (EOs), the CFA 
has review authority for federal property in D.C., certain military 
property, certain coins and medals, D.C.-owned parks and buildings and 
certain private land in D.C. Under the relevant EOs, CFA has review 
authority for the design of D.C.-owned parks and buildings. Under the 
Shipstead-Luce Act, CFA has review authority for the design of private 
buildings in D.C. ``adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major 
importance,'' such as Rock Creek Park and the Potomac riverfront. Under 
the Old Georgetown Act, the CFA has review authority for the design of 
private buildings in the part of Georgetown referred to as ``Old 
Georgetown'' in the act.
  Residency requirements for certain government positions are found in 
federal, state and D.C. law, including for members of the National 
Capital Planning Commission. The primary reason such laws exist is so 
that government officials have a connection to the residents they serve 
and in-depth knowledge of the unique issues and challenges faced by 
residents.
  I have also introduced the Commission of Fine Arts District of 
Columbia Home Rule Act, which would remove the authority of the CFA 
over non-federal real property in D.C. However, while the CFA maintains 
that authority, a majority of the members should be D.C. residents.
  I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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