Urges Congress enact legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C.
AJR146 asserts that the residents of Washington, D.C. contribute to the union through federal taxes exceeding those paid by residents of 22 states, serve on juries, and participate in military service. However, they lack full representation in Congress, which undermines the democratic principles that the country upholds. The resolution seeks to address this inequity and restore voting rights and legislative representation to D.C. residents, as they have historically borne the responsibilities of citizenship without enjoying corresponding rights.
Assembly Joint Resolution 146 (AJR146) urges the United States Congress to enact legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C. This resolution emphasizes the historical context of D.C.'s governance, highlighting that the residents, who have lived under federal jurisdiction since 1801, are denied full representation despite their status as U.S. citizens. As of 2023, the District's population is estimated to be approximately 678,972, larger than that of several states, yet its residents do not enjoy the same democratic rights as citizens living in the fifty states.
Notably, the bill references the 2016 referendum in which 86% of residents supported D.C. statehood, positioning the residents' desire for representation against the backdrop of congressional indifference. Discussions regarding statehood are often polarized, with proponents framing the issue as a fundamental civil rights matter, while opponents may express concerns about the implications of adding another state to the union. The bill also critiques the congressional interference in local governance, which has been termed a violation of self-determination and democracy.
If enacted, AJR146 would reflect a significant shift in the legislative status afforded to Washington, D.C., aligning its treatment with that of states and arguing for equality among citizens. The resolution is transmitted to key congressional figures, including the Mayor of D.C., to advocate for immediate action.