Bowser appeared resolute in her commitment to enforce legalization despite congressional objection in one of her first interviews as mayor with NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday. Host Chuck Todd asked Bowser about the tense relationship with Congress on this measure.
“We think that initiative 71 is self-enacting,” Bowser said. “The bottom line for us is that we have to have laws that are clear and enforceable.”
Proponents of the ballot measure have used “self-enacting” as a legal term that means Congress can’t stop the city from legalizing it.
— Muriel Bowser (@TeamMuriel) January 2, 2015
Following in the same path as Colorado and Washington State, the majority of D.C. voters — 70%, or a margin of nearly 2 to 1 — approved Initiative 71, which allows for the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use: up to 2 ounces of pot or up to three mature plants. The initiative would keep sales of the drug illegal.
Although the District will be able to keep its policy of decriminalization in place, enforcement of the new law is currently on hold, coming into conflict with a congressional law (a rider tucked into the so-called “Cromnibus” spending bill passed in December), that bars the district from using federal funds to enact it.
In the past some Republican lawmakers have criticized the legalization of marijuana as a hazard. Rep. John Fleming (R-La.) said in reference to Colorado’s decision that loosening restriction on marijuana would be a “slippery slope” for young people.
While such opposition did not hinder the majority of D.C. voters, Congress’ control of the capital’s budget is not only seen as a hindrance to the enforcement of this measure: it has also raised bigger questions about the district’s sovereignty.
Bowser said the city government wants to work with Congress on this measure, and when Todd pressed Bowser on whether the mayor would file a lawsuit against Congress, Bowser said they would “explore every option.”
“We want the will of the residents of D.C. to be enforced,” she said.
