Judiciary Committee, Oversight and Government Reform Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to reverse a historical territorial change by repealing the 1846 Act that retroceded a portion of the District of Columbia to Virginia. The bill's findings assert that the Constitution's Enclave Clause does not authorize such retrocession and that the 1846 action violated the original intent of establishing the federal seat of government. It specifically references the 1790 cession of land from Maryland and Virginia to form the District and notes a previous attempt in 1866 to repeal the retrocession. Should this bill be enacted, the territory currently comprising Arlington County, Virginia, and the independent City of Alexandria, Virginia , would be restored to and become part of the District of Columbia. Effective upon enactment, the laws of the District of Columbia would apply to this restored territory, and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia would cease to be in effect there. However, the bill includes provisions to ensure that property rights held by individuals remain undisturbed and that any civil or criminal proceedings pending in Virginia courts can be concluded. The Act would take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year after its enactment.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Make DC Square Again Act
USA119th CongressHR-8455| House
| Updated: 4/22/2026
This bill seeks to reverse a historical territorial change by repealing the 1846 Act that retroceded a portion of the District of Columbia to Virginia. The bill's findings assert that the Constitution's Enclave Clause does not authorize such retrocession and that the 1846 action violated the original intent of establishing the federal seat of government. It specifically references the 1790 cession of land from Maryland and Virginia to form the District and notes a previous attempt in 1866 to repeal the retrocession. Should this bill be enacted, the territory currently comprising Arlington County, Virginia, and the independent City of Alexandria, Virginia , would be restored to and become part of the District of Columbia. Effective upon enactment, the laws of the District of Columbia would apply to this restored territory, and the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia would cease to be in effect there. However, the bill includes provisions to ensure that property rights held by individuals remain undisturbed and that any civil or criminal proceedings pending in Virginia courts can be concluded. The Act would take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year after its enactment.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.