Oppose H.R.1774 – Preserve Black Lives Matter Plaza

I am writing to express my strong opposition to H.R.1774, introduced by Rep. Andrew Clyde, which seeks to withhold federal transportation funds from the District of Columbia unless the Mayor removes the phrase "Black Lives Matter" from Black Lives Matter Plaza, redesignates the street as "Liberty Plaza," and eliminates the phrase from all D.C. government materials. This bill represents a troubling overreach of federal authority into local governance and an attempt to suppress a significant expression of civil rights advocacy. Black Lives Matter Plaza stands as a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for racial justice and the right to free expression. Efforts to erase this symbol undermine the values of democracy and the First Amendment. Moreover, the bill's punitive approach—threatening to withhold essential transportation funding—sets a dangerous precedent for federal interference in local affairs based on political disagreements. Such actions could erode the autonomy of local governments and chill expressions of dissent. I urge you to oppose H.R.1774 and any similar measures that seek to silence voices advocating for racial justice and equity. It is imperative that we uphold the principles of free expression and local self-determination.