Introduction of the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Residency Act

Floor Speech

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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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