GOP Bill to Return Arlington, Alexandria to D.C. Sparks Constitutional Debate

On April 24, 2026 Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA) introduced the “Make DC Square Again Act,” proposing to reverse retrocession and annex Arlington County and Alexandria into D.C. He cites the Enclave Clause as giving Congress authority to modify D.C.’s borders.

Washington ExaminerArlington Now‘Make DC Square Again’ Bill Would Annex Alexandria and Arlington as Part of DC

The 1790 Residence Act created a ten-mile-square federal district that included Alexandria County. In 1801 the area became part of D.C.; Congress approved its retrocession to Virginia in 1846, and Virginia completed the transfer in 1847. Economic concerns and slavery fears motivated the move.

Washington Examiner

A statewide referendum approved on April 23, 2026 would redraw congressional districts, potentially giving Democrats a 10-to-1 advantage in Virginia’s House delegation. Results show 51.46% support statewide and 79.9% in Arlington. A judge blocked certification; Attorney General Jay Jones (D) plans an appeal.

Arlington Now

The proposal would shift roughly 250,000 voters from Virginia to D.C., reducing the Commonwealth’s electorate by about 400,000 residents. The District now covers about 68 sq mi, versus the original 100 sq mi design.

‘Make DC Square Again’ Bill Would Annex Alexandria and Arlington as Part of DC

McCormick says the bill restores district and deems retrocession unconstitutional. Beyer calls it an “embarrassing legislative tantrum,” a “stupid waste of time,” and accuses Republicans of disenfranchising voters. Norton argues plan violates home-rule principles and consent of the governed. Oversight Project president Mike Howell says it restores order to capital.

GOP Representative Proposes Returning Arlington and Alexandria to DC

Democrats call the proposal a partisan tactic to undermine the map and dilute votes. Legal scholars note the Enclave Clause gives Congress authority over D.C. but does not allow retrocession without state consent, leaving its legal path uncertain. Critics label it a voter-suppression strategy.

Associated Press

Sources disagree on whether Congress alone can reverse the 1846 retrocession; some argue state consent is required, others claim the Enclave Clause precludes any retrocession. No bipartisan sponsorship has emerged, and prospects in a divided House remain unclear.

Associated Press

• “The Make DC Square Again Act restores the original ten-mile-square District and ends the artificial advantage Virginia Democrats have recently gained from all the federal bureaucrats moving into Virginia.” — Rich McCormick, Rep., GA

Arlington Now

• “Rich McCormick’s bill is an embarrassing legislative tantrum.” — Don Beyer, Rep., VA

The Hill

• “Disenfranchising hundreds of thousands of Virginia residents by making them D.C. residents without their input — or DC’s — violates the very principles I’ve fought for my entire career: home rule and consent of the governed,” — Eleanor Holmes Norton, Delegate, DC

Arlington Now

• “D.C. back in its proper constitutional place and to return order and dignity to the Nation's capital,” — Mike Howell, President, The Oversight Project

GOP Representative Proposes Returning Arlington and Alexandria to DC

The bill now awaits House committee assignment, with no clear bipartisan support. Virginia’s redistricting map stays under judicial review, and the state attorney general plans an appeal. Legal challenges to the retrocession reversal are expected, possibly reaching the U.S. Supreme Court if Congress advances the proposal.

Associated Press