Story perspectives

Georgia Rep Pushes DC Annexation; Virginia Judges Block, Democrats Protest

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) introduced the Make DC Square Again Act to annex Arlington County and part of Alexandria into D.C., restoring the district.
Rep. Don Beyer and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton denounced the proposal as unconstitutional and a tantrum.
Because the Enclave Clause needs state consent, the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly is unlikely to approve retrocession.
A judge blocked the referendum, prompting Attorney General Jay Jones to appeal.

History

Historical Context

In 1846 Congress passed the Retrocession Act, returning the 7,000-acre Alexandria portion of the District to Virginia; the Virginia General Assembly approved, noting 22,000 residents and $150,000 in expected taxes. That precedent—state consent and judicial review for border changes—underpins today’s Make DC Square Again Act, championed by Rep. Rich McCormick and opposed by Rep. Don Beyer and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.

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Story summary

Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) introduced the Make DC Square Again Act to annex Arlington County and part of Alexandria into D.C., restoring the district.
Rep. Don Beyer and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton denounced the proposal as unconstitutional and a tantrum.
Because the Enclave Clause needs state consent, the Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly is unlikely to approve retrocession.
A judge blocked the referendum, prompting Attorney General Jay Jones to appeal.

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