hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Calls Congress to grant D.C. statehood, ending disenfranchisement, and supports "D.C. Statehood Day."
Ms. Norton (D-DC), D.C.'s non-voting Delegate, introduced this resolution.
In committee, no House vote yet
This resolution expresses the House of Representatives' support for making Washington, D.C. the 51st state, called the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth. It highlights the current lack of voting representation for D.C. residents and calls for the passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51 and S. 51). Ms. Norton, a long-time advocate for D.C. statehood, represents D.C. in the House. The resolution has been referred to multiple committees, which means they must review it before it can proceed to a full House vote.
Introduced Apr 30, 2026
The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives and then referred to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Rules, Armed Services, the Judiciary, and Energy and Commerce. It will need to be considered and potentially approved by these committees before it can be brought to a vote by the full House of Representatives. As a resolution, it expresses the House's opinion and does not become law or go to the Senate for approval.
This resolution itself doesn't change law, but if its call for statehood were enacted through the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, D.C. residents would finally elect voting members to both the House and Senate, ending their current disenfranchisement. The local D.C. government would gain greater autonomy, no longer subject to direct congressional oversight in the way it is now. The current federal district would be significantly reduced in size, with the core federal buildings and monuments remaining as the nation's capital.
Supporters Say
Proponents argue that D.C. residents deserve full voting rights and self-government because they pay high federal taxes and have a larger population than several existing states.
Critics Say
The resolution solely presents arguments in favor of D.C. statehood and does not articulate opposing viewpoints.
The resolution itself emphasizes historical principles of consent of the governed and no taxation without representation. It highlights D.C.'s significant federal tax contributions, its larger population and GDP compared to several states, and the strong local support for statehood (86% voted for it in 2016). While the resolution does not detail opposing arguments, typical objections to D.C. statehood often involve constitutional interpretations of the federal district's unique status or concerns about potential shifts in political power.