Republicans members of the House and Senate propose the BOWSER Act; an end to the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973
By Gene Lambey
On Feb. 7, two Republican members of Congress; Utah Sen. Mike Lee (R-U) and Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles (R-T) proposed the Bringing Oversight to Washington and Safety to Every Resident Act (BOWSER) to take away D.C.’s rights to govern itself.
This bill would repeal the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973 one year after passage of the bill, abolishing D.C. self-governance.
The BOWSER Act, named to mock Mayor Muriel Bowser revokes the D.C. Home Rule Act of 1973. This bill allowed D.C. to have the ability to govern itself and to elect officials into their local government, from the mayor to the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners (ANC)s. Congress still has the power to review the city’s legislation. Congress controls the city’s budget.
The Home Rule Act of 1973 was not established into law until 1975.
The 119th Congress is majority Republican. They have the authority to review all legislations passed by D.C. Council. The president appoints the city judges.
In a press release on Feb.6, Congressman Ogles gave his thoughts on D.C. governance, ridiculing it heavily.
“The radically progressive regime of D.C. Mayor Bowser has left our nation’s Capital in crime-ridden shambles. Washington is now known for its homicides, rapes, drug overdoses, violence, theft, and homelessness. Bowser and her corrupt Washington City Council are incapable of managing the city.”
Sen. Mike Lee noted the case of Ward 8 Councilman Trayon White, who was charged with federal bribery, now expelled from his Ward 8 seat after a unanimous vote from D.C. Council.
In Sen. Mike Lee’s press release on Feb.6, he believed that Congress should have the ability to oversee and govern the city as it did before the Home Rule Act of 1973.
“Given the District’s poor track record on
D.C. mourns the loss of Roberta Flack Read More on P10
(Pictured Mayor Muriel Bowser, courtesy of the Associated Press)
Alpha Phi Alpha condemns President Trump’s decision to fire Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Charles “CQ” Brown
By Ashleigh Fields
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity released a public statement condemning President Trump’s decision to fire Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman “CQ” Brown on Feb. 21 after more than 40 years of service in the armed forces. The position is held by the nation’s highest-ranking military officer and the principal military advisor to the president, the secretary of defense and the National Security Council.
“The Fraternity sees his dismissal as part of a larger agenda to demonize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), remove highly qualified African Americans and people of color from positions of power and influence as well as effectively eliminate and ‘whitewash’ all public aspects of the country from national observances, educational access and curriculum as well as citizenry,” the oldest intercollegiate historically African American fraternity wrote in a statement.
Brown, is a four star general who joined the Alpha Phi Alpha brotherhood in 1981 Eta Upsilon Chapter as an initiate at Texas Tech University. He became only the second African American in history to serve in the role of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman and the first to lead a branch of the military as Air Force chief prior to ascending to the high honor.
“Brother General Brown’s dismissal stands as a loss to our nation, and to our history,” the Alpha’s declared.
Trump nominated retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Dan “Razin” Caine, a three star general to serve as Brown’s replacement. Caine will join the role after serving as associate director for military affairs at the CIA.
“I was inspired to serve by my father, who told me, “Four years in the military will not hurt you.” Four years turned into four decades, surrounded by the finest service members and civilians from across our Na-
tion. Every day you have inspired me. It has been my distinct honor to conclude my career as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,” Brown wrote in a farewell message.
“As Chairman, I focused on Warfighting, Modernization, and Trust. The Joint Force’s commitment to our security has never been more critical. I’m confident you will continue to stand resolute in defense of our Nation. Sharene and I wish you and your families all the best. Thanks for your leadership.”
Photo: Former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman “CQ” Brown.
By Ashleigh Fields
Democrats gather outside federal buildings to protest federal layoffs and workforce cuts
Democrats have pushed back on President Trump’s cuts to government reform, spending and federal workforce reduction.
“Elon Musk is traumatizing hardworking federal employees, their children and families. He has no legal authority to make his latest demands,” House Minority Leader Hakee Jeffries (D-N.Y.) said after the tech giant said federal workers would be required to submit 5 bullet points of their weekly tasks.
‘We will block him in Congress and in the Courts. Again,” he added.
His fellow party members have hosted several rallies outside of the Department of Labor, Department of Veteran Affairs and various other agencies. In early February, Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) hosted a Tele-Town Hall to address the Musk-MAGA hostile takeover of the U.S. government and the dangerous, and in some cases, unlawful executive orders issued by President Trump.
“This is not the time to sit on the sidelines. Trump and Musk think they can run our government like their own personal business empire—breaking the law, abusing power, and crushing working families in the process. But they didn’t count on you,” Beatty said.
“When we raise our voices, we win. Some of Trump’s illegal actions have already been stopped because people fought back. We must keep up the pressure.”
Democrats have warned citizens to look out for potential cuts to social security, medicare and medicaid as the president’s directives continue to take form.
Photo: House Minority Leader Hakee Jeffries (D-N.Y.) addressing the National Press.
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proposed BOWSER Act from pg. 1 drugs, homicides, homelessness, riots, and crime broadly, it is time for Congress to reassert its constitutional responsibility to govern DC.”
In his press release, the Republican senator disapproved of the passing of the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, which would have stripped away penalties for youth convicts to adults, expand rights to a jury trial to those charged with a misdemeanor and reduced maximum crime penalties for violent crimes. In Congress, the bill was rejected in a bipartisan vote.
Sen. Lee pointed out this proposal as an example, bashing the D.C. government for being unable to govern itself. However, this proposal is more than just a bash on local government. It’s an attack on the city itself.
In regards to the crime in D.C., the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released their report on Feb. 7 showing the decline in violent crime dropped to 27 percent and property crime dropped 10 percent.
Sen. Ankit Jain (D-D.C.) released his statement against the BOWSER Act, stating it is a “direct attack on American democracy and state’s rights.”
“This bill undermines the principles of self-governance and local control that conservatives have long championed D.C. residents, the majority of whom are people of color, have frequently been subject to congressional override of local policies, and this latest federal overreach intensifies that long-standing injustice.”
Capital News had the opportunity to speak with D.C. Rep. Dr. Oye Owolewa, PharmD giving his response to the BOWSER Act.
“Unfortunately, this is not new. It is another excuse to take away D.C. governance from the people.”
He added that this proposal is an attempt in “dividing” the city and would “undermine the
voices of 700,000 Americans who call D.C. home.”
Owolewa released a press statement on Feb. 6 speaking out against the BOWSER Act.
“D.C. residents serve the military, pay federal taxes, and contribute to this country like every other American. Yet, time and time again, we are forced to defend our basic right to self-governance from those who do not represent us and do not understand our community’s needs.”
The Capital News reached out for a comment from the office of Eleanor Holmes-Norton but did not receive a response as of this reporting.
By Ashleigh Fields
DC Council proposes bill banning phones in school
Council member Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) introduced a new bill entitled, “Heads Up! Distraction-Free Learning Amendment Act of 2025,” on Jan. 27 proposing a citywide ban on students using cell phones at DC public schools (DCPS).
Chairman Phil Mendelson (D-At Large) and council members Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3) , Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large) co-introduced the legislation.
“We must remain focused on supporting a learning environment in all of our schools that will help our students learn, play, engage, and thrive,” said Pinto shared in a press release.
“Removing distracting devices during the school day will better equip our students to focus, empower our teachers to teach, and ensure that our kids are engaging with one another in person which will benefit them and their outcomes for years to come.” Her office reported only 34 percent of District students met or exceeded expectations in English language arts and literacy and only 22.8 percent of our students met or exceeded expectations in math last year.
The ban would not apply to students who receive learning accommodations on devices and would allow for teachers to create other exceptions where needed.
“The data is clear: fewer distractions lead to stronger academic performance,” Allister Chang, a DC State Board of Education representative for Ward 2 said. “This bill ensures that students and educators can make the most of their time together in the classroom.” However, some parents have raised concerns with the bill.
“Its already the rule at both of my kids DCPS schools but it is not in any manner enforced at Jackson-Reed so I appreciate the legislation but fully expect it to be ignored like every-
thing else that comes out of the DC Council,” an account named @Safepublicsidewalks DC wrote under Pinto’s post on the social platform X.
Multiple students wrote to the council sharing how the restriction could block out learning opportunities in a digital age.
We’re living in a digital age and personally I believe we need to adapt to it and get with it,” said Calique Barnes, student representative on the DC State Board of Education.
“What they do at my school, they use the computer. Instead of taking the ‘L’ they get on the computer, they get on the different devices that the school gives them,” said Barnes. “What’s next? They’re going to take the school computer? All you’re going to do is strip the kids of what they have now until they have absolutely nothing but blank walls and pieces of paper.”
Another student echoed his concerns.
“In a time in which we encourage teachers to think outside the box to engage students and use more digital tools in the classroom, accessibility becomes a problem as we take
away opportunities to expand our resources,” Perry Pixley Chamberlain, a student at School Without Walls wrote in a statement to the DC Council.
“At my school, students regularly use their phone ‘hotspots’ to use digital classroom tools that are blocked by the DCPS firewall. This firewall, while very effective at censorship, is perhaps too effective- it limits students from engaging with additional helpful materials by broadly blocking certain sites.”
The student added that a “number of sites that are blocked are regularly accessed by classrooms by using ‘hotspots’ to aid learning- a way to access what is supplementary without being blocked by the firewall.”
The Council will take his comments into consideration for their vote on the bill.
“News sites, YouTube videos, email, and other resources are used to engage classrooms at my school (and others) and if access to using phone “hotspots” is taken away with a highly restrictive phone policy, it will consequently remove access to these sites as well,” the student said advocating for himself and others enrolled in DCPS.
Photo: Brooke Pinto inside a Council hearing.
By Ashleigh Fields
D.C. Council protests thousands of federal worker firings
Various local leaders responded to recent cuts to the federal government which have heavily impacted residents in the District. Under the direction of President Trump, federal agencies have cut thousands of probationary workers while working to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Agency for International Development and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In addition to the removal of federal workers, Republicans have also suggested the Home Rule law allowing the city of D.C. to govern its own affairs be removed. However, council members and the attorney general have pushed back on the rhetoric declaring the move would harm Washingtonians and be considered a violation of law.
“Violent crime in DC reached a 30-year low last year and continues to decline. Family homelessness is down over 50% in the past decade. Our budget is balanced, our economy is growing, our small business community is thriving, and we are one of the most visited places in the country,” Attorney General Brian Scwalb wrote in a statement.
“A federal takeover of DC would violate the fundamental principle of self-governance on which this nation was founded. We will defend the rule of law, Home Rule, and the right to govern ourselves.”
D.C. Council member Charles Allen also weighed in on proposals of a federal takeover.
“The baseless attacks on District residents and local government are an attack on democracy itself. The principle of democratic representation is foundational to our country, and a threat to remove an elected government in our United States is an affront to the very idea of America,” Allen stated.
“Elected District leaders have worked con-
structively with administrations of both parties over the last half-century. If the federal government wants to improve public safety, it has a role to play right now: nominate and approve judges for our Courts, remove federal riders that block common-sense regulations on cannabis sales that would make us more safe, and fully fund the federal share of responsibilities for public safety that the District shoulders alone.”
His colleague Brianne Naduea defended the District’s right to impose rules and govern people within the city limits accordingly.
“The District of Columbia is not only our nation’s capital but also home to 700,000 residents. Our hard-won autonomy was granted through an act of Congress 50 years ago and has been continuously under attack ever since,” she stated.
“Each of those times our government has
worked with allies in Congress to minimize those attacks. We need those allies more than ever now, and we will fight for the rights of our residents whenever they are threatened.”
Their comments come as Republicans in Congress have introduced the BOWSER Act in an effort to remove Mayor Muriel Bowser and take away her authority over the District.
DC pilot program launching to reduce camera ticket cost for residents
By Shelley Rice
Some D.C. drivers will soon be able to apply to reduce the cost of camera tickets as part of a pilot program scheduled to launch this spring. Eligible drivers can have the cost of a camera ticket slashed in half!
Drivers eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be able to apply to have one camera ticket of $100 or less reduced by 50%, if the request is submitted within 30 days of when the ticket was issued.
This new pilot program comes after Mayor Muriel Bowser created a multiagency task force on automated traffic enforcement in 2023. The task force surveyed data and made recommendations. According to Charlie Willson, director of the city’s Vision Zero office., the recommendations are to maintain or increase the program’s effectiveness while minimizing the financial burden.
“The pilot seeks to reduce the financial burden of safety camera tickets on certain low-income drivers, while still holding them accountable and maintaining the effectiveness of the program,” Willson said.
Drivers will only be allowed to have the fine for one ticket reduced. The program only applies to tickets issued to drivers whose cars are registered in D.C.
Once it begins, the initiative is scheduled to run for about 120 days. City Officials don’t know how many drivers will want to take advantage of the offer, but are planning for about 3,000 applications, as they only collect information tied to registration for tickets.
“We want to see if it allows more people to pay their fines, and therefore, less people to go into collections for their tickets, which is what happens if you don’t pay an (Automated Traffic Enforcement) fine after a period of
“There are rightly questions about how ticket enforcement or ATE (Automated Ticket Enforcement) affects behavior and also how flat fees affect people of different incomes differently and, quite candidly, if they affect Black and Brown communities more dramatically than other communities. And so we want that task force to address those issues so that we have the most effective policies possible.”
— Mayor Muriel Bowser
time,” said Sam Quinney, director of The Lab at D.C., the part of the city administrator’s office that oversees pilot programs.
The District, Willson said, will “assess the effects it has on people’s likelihood of paying their tickets, and then the likelihood of getting another ticket.”
The approach, according to Quinney, has pro-
duced positive results in places such as California, finding it results in “higher rates of people paying them at the reduced rate.”
The cameras, Willson said, “are a tool in our Vision Zero toolbox, and why we’re excited to be a leader in trying out this new method for administering the program.”
D.C. mourns the loss of Roberta Flack
By Ashleigh Fields
City leaders from all backgrounds gathered to mourn the loss of Roberta Flack, a renowned singer, songwriter and performer who passed away on Feb. 24, 2025 at the age of 88.
“Today, DC grieves the loss of Roberta Flack—an extraordinary vocalist who had a profound impact on our community.From attending Howard University to teaching music at DC Public Schools, we are grateful for all the ways she shared her Grammy Award-winning talent with DC and with the world,” Mayor Muriel Bowser wrote in a statement online.
“My sincere condolences are with Roberta Flack’s loved ones and all those impacted by this loss,” she added.
Flack attended the local HBCU at the age of 15 on a music scholarship and would go on to shape the world through her passionate lyrics in hit songs “Killing Me Softly with his Song” and “Feel Like Making Love.”
She was an Alpha Chapter initiate of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and close friend of public servants including Rev. Jesse Jackson and activist Angela Davis.
Flack got her start on the professional side of the entertainment history while performing live at Mr. Henry’s.
“All of us at Mr. Henry’s are devastated to learn of the passing of the incredible Roberta Flack today,” the restaurant said in a statement.
“We feel incredibly fortunate for her legacy as well as her graciousness each time we had the treat of seeing her in person here at Mr Henry’s.”
Flack left her musically inclined legacy by founding the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing an innovative and inspiring music education program to underprivileged students free of charge.
Pepco plans to aid the spike in higher energy bills that shock DMV residents
By Shelley Rice
One of the region’s largest utility providers serving 1.1 million customers, Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO) says it has paused disconnecting power on unpaid accounts and are waiving late fees to extend breaks and help customers find solutions.
Residents across the DMV have faced unexpectedly high energy bills, with some reporting their costs have doubled or even tripled.
Pepco attributes the spike primarily to extended periods of cold weather.
According to the National Weather Service, there were over 100% more heating degree days in December than in November, and that doubling continued into January, where we’ve seen 20% more heating degree days.
The utility company also pointed to wider issues, like climate change and the retirement of certain power plants, as factors contributing to rising costs.
Retiring plants is another thing Pepco is preparing customers with adjusting costs. “When these plants retire, if you don’t bring on more abundant, cheaper resources online, that can cause the influx in energy costs,” a spokesperson said.
Pepco clarified that while they don’t own the older plants, they supplied power across the entire grid.
Customers posting to social media say they worry these high bills are here to stay.
Under the plan laid out by Pepco, customers will not have to pay late fees for January, February or March. The extensions are intended to help customers who can only pay portions of their heating bills. Customers having financial difficulty, can enroll in a payment plan for up to two years.”
Since launching February 4, customers have taken advantage of the new support.
For those looking for additional relief, Pepco encourages residents to explore available assistance programs and consider energy-saving practices to help mitigate costs in the future.
To reach Pepco’s resources on managing a heft energy bill, visit its bill support page.
PISCES
(February 19 to March 20)
“I Am Guided by Love, Intuition, and Divine Wisdom.”
Pisceans are deeply spiritual, and this affirmation connects them to their higher purpose.
ARIES
(March 21 to April 19)
“I Fearlessly Create My Own Path.”
Bold and ambitious, Aries thrive when they embrace their leadership qualities and take risks with confidence.
TAURUS
(April 20 to May 20)
“I Attract Abundance and Stability with Ease.”
Taurus finds comfort in security, and this affirmation helps.
GEMINI
(May 21 to June 20)
“I Communicate My Truth with Clarity and Confidence.”
As natural communicators, Geminis flourish when they embrace their voice and intellect.
March Affirmations
Source: https://stylecaster.com/
CANCER
(June 21 to July 22)
“I Am Safe, Loved, and Emotionally Balanced.”
Cancerians need emotional security, and this affirmation helps them embrace self-care and deeper connections.
LEO (July 23 to August 22)
“I Shine My Light and Inspire Others with Confidence.”
Leos thrive when they embrace their power and inspire those.
VIRGO
(August 23 to September 22)
“I Am Enough, and My Efforts Are Valued.”
Perfectionist Virgos need to remind themselves that their that their worth is not tied to productivity.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22)
“I Attract Harmony, Love, and Balance in All Areas of Life.”
Libras flourish when they cultivate peace in their relationships and inner world.
SCORPIO
(October 23 to November 21)
“I Trust My Intuition and Embrace Transformation.”
Scorpios undergo constant change, and this affirmation empowers them to trust the process.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21)
“I Am Open to Adventure, Wisdom, and New Possibilities.”
Sagittarians thrive on exploration, and this affirmation helps them embrace their free spirit.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19)
“I Am Disciplined, Resilient, and Destined for Success.”
Capricorns achieve greatness through persistence, and this affirmation strengthens their focus.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18)
“ I Embrace My Uniqueness and Create Positive Change.”
Visionary Aquarians need to trust their originality and their power to inspire transformation.
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