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WASHINGTON - D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Council Chairman Vincent Gray are urging members of Congress to pass legislation that would give the District more independent control over its budget and its laws.

The District's budget and laws currently have to pass a Congressional review that can take months.

D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (web | news | bio) proposed these bills that appear to have support from most Democrats but not Republicans. But whether they like it or not, both parties consider this legislation a step toward full sovereignty for the District and maybe even statehood.

"It simply gives us the ability to more flexibly and rapidly manage our affairs," said Gray.

Gray, Fenty and others told the House Subcommittee that oversees the District of Columbia that Congressional review is inefficient.

"We do not have a chance to adjust, readjust our budgeting in light of changing financial conditions," said Natwar M. Gandhi, D.C.'s chief financial officer.

Congress could still review the city's laws, but the process would not be automatic like it is now. "In 35 years, we've had this disapproval resolution used three times," said Gray. "The last time [was] 19 years ago."

But after District leaders laid out the stability and fiscal strength of the D.C. government, Republicans on the subcommittee seemed to argue, "if it's not broken, why fix it?"

They argued the Constitution requires Congressional oversight. "The District of Columbia is not a state -- it's not a state -- and it is dealt with differently," said Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah.

They even inquired about political in-fighting at city hall. Asked Chaffetz, "If things are going so well, what sort of grade would you give the mayor?"

"Well, the legislation is not about the mayor's performance, but we work well with the mayor," answered Gray.

But this was the first time in several weeks that Gray and Fenty made a public appearance together and put aside their differences in an effort to get the District more autonomy.

"It's overdue," said Gray. "It would be a wonderful extension of home rule that was awarded to the District of Columbia in 1974."

Gray was asked if this legislation is a consolation prize after not getting the Voting Rights Act this year. He says no, and that this legislation is just moving toward voting rights and eventually statehood.

And that's one of the reasons Republicans oppose this legislation. They say if D.C. leaders want to change the Constitution, they'd welcome a debate over that issue.

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