What does Preamble of Make DC Square Again Act do?

This bill aims to repeal the Act that retroceded the county of Alexandria, in the District of Columbia, to the State of Virginia. The bill includes provisions for 'other purposes,' though these are not specified in the provided text.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Make DC Square Again Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Make DC Square Again Act.

What does FINDINGS. of Make DC Square Again Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the District of Columbia. The Enclave Clause of the Constitution grants the Federal Government exclusive legislative power over a district ceded by states and accepted by Congress. The Constitution does not provide authority for the Federal Government to retrocede portions of the District back to states. In 1790, a ten-mile square territory was accepted from Maryland and Virginia to serve as the seat of government, becoming the District of Columbia. In 1846, a portion of the District south of the Potomac River was ceded back to Virginia, which is asserted to be in violation of the Constitution. Senator Benjamin Wade introduced a bill (S. 280) in 1866 to repeal the 1846 Act of retrocession.

What does REPEAL OF RETROCESSION AND RESTORATION OF TERRITORY. of Make DC Square Again Act do?

This section repeals the Act of July 9, 1846, which retroceded the County of Alexandria to the State of Virginia. The territory retroceded in 1846, now comprising Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, Virginia, is restored to the District of Columbia. The laws of the District of Columbia will apply to the restored territory, while Virginia's laws will cease to apply, effective upon enactment of this Act. Existing property rights will not be disturbed by this Act. Pending civil or criminal proceedings in Virginia courts arising in the territory may be concluded as if the Act had not been enacted. This Act will take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of enactment.

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Make DC Square Again Act

Last updated: 4/22/2026 · Introduced: 4/22/2026

Author: Richard McCormick (R-GA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill repeals the 1846 Act that retroceded territory comprising Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, Virginia, back to the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The territory restored to the District of Columbia will be subject to District of Columbia law, replacing Virginia law.
Existing property rights within the restored territory will remain unchanged, and pending legal proceedings in Virginia courts may continue to completion.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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