Support the Termination Resolution

TELL CONGRESS:
DC needs local power, not attacks

September 26, 2025

Overview

Since August 2025, Republicans in Congress have advanced 16 bills and more that 20 budget riders that attempt to undo DC laws and power. These bills are a unified attack against DC and they deserve unified opposition. We want every single Democrat in the House and Senate to oppose each and every one of these bills.

There’s good news too. Six additional bills are currently moving through Congress that would expand DC’s local power. We want Congress to support these bills and make them into law.

The call lists and scripts below are designed for DC residents and our allies across the country to support both of these demands. If you live in DC, use the tools starting on page 2. If you live outside of DC, use the tools starting on page 5.

Call List + Script for DC residents

DC friends, we don’t have voting representatives in Congress, so we’re going to talk to all of them.

Use this spreadsheet to start calling through the priority members of Congress who need to hear from DC on this issue.

Pick representatives from states to which you have a personal connection, or just pick an office which hasn’t been called yet. It’s ideal for each office to get called about 10 times.

As you have conversations, note what you hear from staff in the comments field of that spreadsheet. Aim to call at least 5 offices if you can.

Call Script for DC residents

“Hello. My name is [your name], I’m a resident of the District of Columbia. I’m calling to ask [Senator or Representative Name] to oppose the 16 bills and more than 20 budget riders that attack DC, and to support six bills that would expand DC’s local power. Do you have a minute to talk about this?”

They might tell you that you are not a constituent. Do not accept this. If Congress is voting on overturning local DC laws, it should hear from DC residents.

“Thanks so much. How are you doing today?”

Give them a chance to respond.

“That’s great. Again, my name is [your name]. I live in Ward [#] and I’ve been a DC resident for [# of years]. DC is a wonderful community and I’m so proud to call it home. Do you live in DC?”

Give them a chance to respond.

“DC communities do not want to be attacked by this president or his allies in Congress.”

“We do not want Trump’s armed soldiers in our streets.”
“We do not want Trump’s masked agents kidnapping innocent people here.”
“We do not want interference from people we did not elect. That includes all of Congress, including your member.”

“There are currently 16 bills and more than 20 budget riders attacking DC. I am calling to ask your member to oppose all of them.”
“There are also six good bills that would expand DC’s local power. I want your member to co-sponsor and support all of them. Those are:

H.R. 5093/S. 2688, the “DC National Guard Home Rule Act”
H.R. 5070, the “Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act”
H.R. 5051, which would require members of the armed forces responding to crime matters in DC to participate in a program similar to MPD’s Body-Worn Camera Program.
H.R. 2693, the “DC Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act”
H.R. 51/S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act”

“FreeDCproject.org/congress has more information about all these bills and riders.”

“I would be glad to send you that link by email. What’s the best email address for you?”
“We’re asking members of Congress to commit to being on DC’s side on all these issues. Would your member be willing to sign the pledge?”

If yes:

“Thank you so much! We really appreciate their solidarity!”
“Our team will follow up to celebrate them publicly.”

If uncertain:

“That’s okay. We’ll follow up again in one week to find out if they’d be willing to sign.”
“Thank you again for your time. I will send you a follow-up email with more information. Have a great day.”

Submit response in the spreadsheet

Call List + Script for allies outside DC

For allies outside DC, call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121. You have one Representative and two Senators: call that number three separate times and ask to be transferred to each of them.

Call Script for allies outside DC

“Hello. My name is [your name], I’m a resident of [your city or town] but am calling in solidarity with residents of the District of Columbia. Specifically, I’m calling to ask [Senator or Representative Name] to oppose the 16 bills and more than 20 budget riders that attack DC, and to support six bills that would expand DC’s local power. Do you have a minute to talk about this?”

Give them a chance to respond.

“Thanks so much. How are you doing today?”

Give them a chance to respond.

“That’s great. Again, my name is [your name]. I’ve lived in [your town/city or state] for [#] years. And I’m worried about what’s happening to the people of DC.”
“DC communities do not want to be attacked by this president or his allies in Congress.”

“The people I know in DC do not want Trump’s armed soldiers in their streets.”
“The people I know in DC do not want Trump’s masked agents kidnapping innocent people.”
“The people I know in DC do not want interference from people they did not elect. That includes all of Congress, including [Senator or Representative Name].”

“There are currently 16 bills and more than 20 budget riders attacking DC. I am calling to ask [Senator or Representative Name] to oppose all of them.”
“There are also six good bills that would expand DC’s local power. I want [Senator or Representative Name] to co-sponsor and support all of them. Those are:

H.R. 5093/S. 2688, the “DC National Guard Home Rule Act”
H.R. 5070, the “Federal Police Camera and Accountability Act”
H.R. 5051, which would require members of the armed forces responding to crime matters in DC to participate in a program similar to MPD’s Body-Worn Camera Program.
H.R. 2693, the “DC Electronic Transmittal of Legislation Act”
H.R. 51/S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act”

“FreeDCproject.org/congress has more information about all these bills and riders.”

“I would be glad to send you that link by email. What’s the best email address for you?”
“We’re asking members of Congress to commit to being on DC’s side on all these issues. Would your member be willing to sign the pledge?”