The nation’s capitol, Washington, D.C., has governed itself since 1973—kinda. Despite the passing of the Home Rule Charter, which delegated power to an elected mayor and 13-member D.C. Council, Congress still oversees the District. Every local law has to go through a 30-day waiting period for congressional review, and Congress has to approve the municipal budget every year.

Both the House and Senate have a subcommittee that deals with District issues. If Republicans take the House, Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who doesn’t think much of D.C. autonomy, would chair the subcommittee. Here’s a look at key dates in the history of Home Rule and federal meddling in District affairs.