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Congress·Reported·5 months ago

House Committee Advances Bill to Give Trump Power to Appoint D.C. Attorney General

Also known as: District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(1)
Criminal Record
Neutral

State Impacts

District of ColumbiaDC
Mixed

DC’s Attorney General would be appointed by the President, serve at the President’s pleasure, and have a term that matches the President’s term. The sitting Attorney General would be removed the day the law is enacted. DC employees hired by the Attorney General are not treated as federal employees just because of this change.

Key Points

  • This bill would change how Washington, D.C.’s top local lawyer is chosen, making the Attorney General a presidential appointee.
  • The D.C. Attorney General would serve at the pleasure of the President and would not need Senate confirmation.
  • The Attorney General’s term would line up with the President’s term, meaning a new President could replace the Attorney General.
  • If this becomes law, the current D.C. Attorney General’s service would end on the day the law takes effect.
  • The bill says staff hired by the D.C. Attorney General would not automatically become federal employees just because the Attorney General is appointed by the President.
Civil RightsCriminal Justice

Milestones

3 milestones6 actions
Sep 30, 2025House

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 270.

Sep 30, 2025House

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. H. Rept. 119-316.

Sep 10, 2025House

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 20.

Sep 10, 2025House

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Sep 8, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

On the date the Act is enacted

Current DC Attorney General’s term ends when the law is enacted

There would be an immediate change at the top of DC’s legal office, which can pause or redirect major cases and policies while new leadership takes over.

Soon after enactment

President appoints a new DC Attorney General (no Senate confirmation)

DC’s chief legal official would be chosen by the President and could be replaced at any time, which may lead to quicker shifts in legal priorities than an elected term.

Each time a new presidential term begins

DC Attorney General’s term aligns with the President’s term

When a new President takes office, DC should expect a new Attorney General or a reappointment, which could change how DC enforces laws and handles lawsuits.

Related News

2 articles
The GW Hatchet·4 months ago

Trump’s National Guard deployment, Congressional actions undermine DC autonomy: experts

Advocates and experts warn that proposed legislation to make the elected D.C. attorney general a presidential appointee poses a threat to self-governance and exemplifies efforts by Congress to interfere in local affairs and eliminate political opposition.

CL−
NBC4 Washington·5 days ago

Law that changes DC tax code isn't valid, attorney general says

In the context of a tax code dispute, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson criticized 'bullying' by Republicans, specifically citing legislation that would remove the elected attorney general and allow the president to appoint a replacement.

C~

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act of 2025

Bill NumberHR 5179
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionPlaced on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 270.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.