THE AMERICAN CAPITAL RELOCATION ACT (ACRA)
A Citizens’ Proposal to Move the U.S. Capital from Washington, D.C.
 
Purpose
America has changed dramatically since 1790, when Washington, D.C. became our capital.
Back then, the location made sense — close to the original colonies and major trade routes.
Today, however, many Americans see Washington as distant, exclusive, and too influenced by lobbyists and global interests.

Whether those views are right or wrong, they have weakened public trust.
It’s time to build a capital that reflects who we are now — diverse, innovative, and united.
This proposal begins that process.

While Houston is presented as a leading candidate, this movement welcomes other cities such as Kansas City or Omaha to be evaluated as potential new capitals.
The goal is not simply to move from one city to another — it’s to ensure the nation’s seat of power is once again accountable, accessible, and representative of all Americans.

 
Why Houston
Central and Accessible: Houston sits near the country’s population center and has world-class airports, highways, and ports.
Economically Strong: It’s a hub for energy, medicine, shipping, and space exploration.
Culturally Diverse: Over 140 languages are spoken here — a true picture of modern America.
Room to Grow: The city and surrounding counties can host new federal facilities without overcrowding.

 
Guiding Principles
Transparency and Accountability – All spending and contracts must be publicly disclosed and audited.
No Foreign Influence – Only U.S. citizens, companies, and institutions may finance or construct the new federal district.
Citizen Voice – Every state should have representation in planning the new capital.
Continuity and Security – Defense, emergency, and cybersecurity operations will stay uninterrupted throughout the move.
Respect for History – Washington, D.C. will return to normal municipal status while remaining a protected National Heritage Capital with all monuments and museums preserved for future generations.

 
The Plan
Phase 1 (Years 1–3):
• Form a Capital Relocation Commission of experts and citizen representatives.
• Set boundaries for a new Federal District of Houston (FDH) and open temporary offices for agencies such as Energy, Commerce, and Transportation.

Phase 2 (Years 4–7):
• Begin construction of permanent facilities — the Capitol Annex, Supreme Court (Houston Division), National Archives Complex, and supporting infrastructure.

Phase 3 (Years 8–10):
• Complete transfer of Congress, the Executive Branch, and federal courts to Houston.
• Hold a national celebration marking the new seat of government.

 
Constitutional Authority
Under Article I, Section 8 and Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution, Congress has full power to create, modify, or relocate the federal district that houses the national government.

 
Public Approval
Before the final move, a national referendum will allow all citizens to vote — ensuring that this decision belongs to the people, not to politicians alone.

 
Declaration
The United States was built on the idea that government serves the people — not parties, not lobbies, and not foreign powers.
Relocating the capital is more than a change of address; it is a renewal of that promise.
Let Houston become a new symbol of transparency, unity, and American renewal for the centuries ahead.

 
Proposed by:
Dylan Christopher Herlehy
Houston, Texas
Citizen and Independent Advocate for American Renewal