Urging Members Of The United States Congress To Enact Federal Legislation Granting Statehood To The People Of Washington, D.c.
The resolution highlights the disparity between D.C. residents and those of the states, particularly regarding taxation without representation. D.C. residents pay more federal taxes than those in 22 states yet do not have a voting representative in Congress. The resolution cites CNN Census estimates that show D.C.'s population is comparable to several states, further supporting the argument for equal rights and representation. It emphasizes that the lack of statehood and full representation leads to legislative challenges and instabilities, especially in regards to local governance and budgetary autonomy.
HCR167 is a House Concurrent Resolution from the State of Hawaii urging the United States Congress to grant statehood to the residents of Washington, D.C. The resolution outlines the historical context of representation issues for D.C. residents, noting that when the Constitution was ratified in 1788, residents were afforded voting rights, which were later revoked under the Organic Act of 1801. Despite the reinstatement of certain voting rights through the Twenty-third Amendment in 1961, D.C. residents continue to lack full congressional representation, which raises concerns about their democratic rights and citizenship equality.
Opposition to statehood for Washington, D.C. is often rooted in political implications for Congress, primarily from those who believe that adding D.C. as a state may alter the balance of power within the legislative body. The resolution makes reference to a 2016 D.C.-wide referendum showing overwhelming support (86%) for statehood from the residents themselves, which adds to the contention surrounding the issue. Additionally, various international bodies, including the United Nations, have called for addressing the lack of political equality for D.C. residents, which adds another layer to the national debate on this topic.