Washington, DC is a unique city in the United States, as it is the nation's capital but does not have representation in the Senate. This means that the more than 700,000 residents of the district pay some of the highest federal taxes, yet have no say in positions designated by the federal government, such as the president's office or those who serve as U. S. ambassadors to foreign countries.
Today, DC is still unable to vote in Congress and is deprived of other attributes of statehood and full control of its own government. The House of Representatives will take the rare step of holding a vote on the statehood of Washington, DC. The rest of the current district would be admitted as the 51st state in the nation, offering voting representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate to its residents. It is important to understand the history and impact of this measure.
The breakdown of the vote on the 1993 bill shows some interesting divisions. The current bill has strong and almost universal support from House Democrats. However, that Democratic approach to statehood wasn't true 27 years ago. Democrats split their votes on the 1993 legislation, with 151 votes in favor and 105 against.
A Republican, Wayne Gilchrest, who represented parts of northeastern Maryland and the state's east coast, voted in favor, as did the only independent in the House of Representatives, Bernie Sanders (Vermont). The two states that surround D, C., Virginia and Maryland had 11 and 8 members of the House of Representatives respectively (as they do today).The entire Virginia delegation voted against the bill, with the exception of Democrat Bobby Scott (third district). Scott continues to hold that position today. The Maryland delegation was divided 4 to 4, but not evenly between parties.
Gilchrest voted in favor, while Democratic representative Steny Hoyer (District 5) and now House majority leader voted against the bill. The legislation is sponsored by Del. Norton (D. C., DC). Of the representatives entitled to vote in the Democratic Caucus, 11 are not included as co-sponsors.
They include Speaker Nancy Pelosi, although it is common for her not to co-sponsor legislation. Of the remaining 10, one member, Pete Visclosky (Ind.), withdrew his co-sponsorship after changing his affiliation from Democrat to Republican. The Maryland and Virginia delegations have also changed dramatically. All Democrats in both states (seven in Maryland, including Steny Hoyer, and six in Virginia) support the legislation, while all Republicans in Maryland and Virginia (five in total) oppose it. In fact, there are no Republicans who would co-sponsor it. Statehood is largely based on politics.
Given the overwhelming vote of Democrats in Washington, it would be unlikely that Republicans would elect a member of the House of Representatives or a senator from DC. As an indicator, since 2000, Democratic presidential candidates have obtained an average of more than 89% of votes. President Trump has promised to veto legislation on Washington's statehood; however, it has no chance of being approved by the Senate as majority leader McConnell has criticized it. In addition, President Trump rightly pointed out that Democrats would likely win two additional seats in the Senate; however he erroneously noted that Democrats would add five additional members to the House of Representatives. The population of D. C.
stands at just over 700,000 people - more than Vermont or Wyoming and a little less than Alaska - which would entitle it to one member in Congress. To win a second seat in the House of Representatives D. would probably have to increase its population by approximately 50%. Given its size and population density - more than 10,000 people per square mile - as well as limits on building heights this figure is practically unattainable. The bill establishes a specific space for a capital district to remain which largely encompasses clustered government buildings surrounding National Mall including White House and other areas over which federal government would maintain full control.
The mayor with title “governor” and district council would function as legislative body; it would be granted all rights any state while current district autonomy policies mandated by Congress would be dissolved. It would also work to repeal 23rd Amendment (which grants D. electoral votes in presidential elections) since it will be debatable and existing capital district would have few if any people residing in it; statehood largely based on politics. Have five members House Representatives as do Connecticut Oklahoma Oregon D. C. It would have to more than quintuple its population; enrollment motto: “Taxation without representation”.Ultimately HR 51 if passed by Senate will face presidential veto however serious step approving statehood House Representatives likely predict what will be important legislative priority some future period when Democrats control House Representatives Senate presidency. Washington D.
City located Potomac River between Virginia Maryland borders; city home many national monuments museums including White House Capitol Hill Supreme Court Lincoln Memorial Washington Monument Jefferson Memorial Pentagon Arlington National Cemetery Smithsonian Institution National Zoo many others.
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