This bill would change how the District of Columbia is treated under federal law for the purpose of receiving federal funding. Currently, D.C. is not classified as a state, which can make it ineligible for certain federal grants and programs designed for states or local governments. The legislation would amend federal law to treat D.C. as both a state and as a local government unit when determining eligibility for federal funds, unless a specific law says otherwise. This change would primarily benefit D.C. residents and the local government by potentially opening access to more federal funding streams. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2026, and was introduced by Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton.