U.S. Congress Members; enact federal legislation granting statehood to the people of Washington, D.C.; urge
If SR202 were to lead to successful legislation, it would transform the status of the District of Columbia, integrating it as a full-fledged state within the United States. Currently, D.C. residents face unique challenges due to their lack of representation, which includes restrictions on local laws and budgets imposed by Congress. Statehood would empower the residents by affording them full legislative authority and representation through elected officials in both the House and Senate, akin to that of the 50 states.
Senate Resolution 202 (SR202) urges the United States Congress to enact federal legislation granting statehood to the District of Columbia. The resolution highlights the historical disenfranchisement of D.C. residents, who, despite being U.S. citizens and bearing all civic responsibilities, including federal taxation, lack voting representation in Congress. The appeal for statehood has garnered strong support among local residents, as demonstrated by an 86% approval rate in a 2016 district-wide referendum favoring statehood.
The resolution is grounded in the argument for political equality and self-determination for D.C. residents, which many advocacy groups and political leaders argue is essential for a functioning democracy. They point to the lack of other democratic nations denying their capitals any form of self-governance, while advocates for maintaining D.C.'s current status raise concerns regarding the implications of adding a new state to the union, particularly on the balance of power in Congress. The complexities surrounding D.C.'s governance and its relationship with federal oversight pose significant discussion points in debates related to SR202.