The US House of Representatives voted on Thursday to make Washington DC the 51st state, a historic step that would give full voting representation to the district's more than 700,000 residents. The bill, H.R. 51, passed by a vote of 216-208, largely along party lines, with all Democrats supporting it and all but one Republican opposing.
What the Statehood Bill Entails
The legislation would create the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, named after Frederick Douglass. The new state would consist of most of the current District of Columbia, leaving a small federal district encompassing the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court, and National Mall. The bill grants the new state two senators and one voting representative in the House, ending the lack of congressional representation for DC residents.
Supporters argue that DC residents pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and participate in presidential elections, but have no voting representation in Congress. "Taxation without representation" is a longstanding grievance, and the license plates of DC residents famously bear that slogan.
Political Implications and Opposition
Republicans oppose the measure, claiming it is a Democratic power grab because DC's population is heavily Democratic. The district voted 92% for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Opponents also argue that the Constitution requires a separate federal district not belonging to any state. "This is about preserving the intent of the founders," said Representative James Comer (R-KY).
The bill now moves to the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle. Even if it passes, President Biden has expressed support but the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster poses a significant obstacle.
Historical Context and Next Steps
Washington DC has sought statehood for decades. The last time a new state was admitted was Hawaii in 1959. The current push gained momentum after the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when DC National Guard deployment was delayed due to the district's lack of statehood. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the district's non-voting representative, said: "We have waited long enough. We deserve the same rights as every other American."
The Senate is expected to take up the bill later this year. If it fails, advocates plan to continue pushing for statehood through future Congresses.
