US Federal House Bill HB51

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Washington, D.C. Admission Act This bill provides for the admission of the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. The commonwealth consists of all the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding certain federal property. The excluded property shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of federal government; it includes the principal federal monuments, the White House, the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building, and the federal office buildings located adjacent to the Mall and Capitol Building. In addition, the bill maintains the federal government's authority over military lands and specified other property and prohibits the commonwealth from taxing federal property except as permitted by Congress. Within 30 days of this bill's enactment, the DC mayor must call for the election of two Senators and one Representative for the commonwealth. The commonwealth shall be admitted into the United States upon a presidential proclamation announcing the results of that election. The bill applies current DC laws to the commonwealth and continues pending judicial proceedings. It also continues certain federal authorities and responsibilities, including regarding employee benefits, agencies, and courts, until the commonwealth certifies that it is prepared to take over those authorities and responsibilities. Further, the bill provides for expedited consideration of a joint resolution to repeal the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution (which allows DC citizens to vote in presidential elections). The bill also establishes a commission to advise the President, Congress, and DC and commonwealth leaders on the transition.

Impact

The passage of HB 51 would significantly alter the status of Washington D.C., allowing residents full voting representation in Congress for the first time. This would address long-standing criticisms regarding D.C. residents being taxed without representation. The bill maintains federal authority over military lands and other specified areas but also allows Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, to impose local laws and taxes consistent with statehood. Additionally, ongoing judicial proceedings and current D.C. laws would continue until the state certifies its readiness to take over legislative responsibilities.

Summary

House Bill 51, known as the Washington D.C. Admission Act, proposes the admission of Washington D.C. as the 51st state of the United States. The bill outlines the procedures for admission, including the election of two senators and a representative within 30 days of its enactment. It seeks to transition the governance of D.C. into a state framework while excluding certain federal properties that would remain under federal jurisdiction, such as the White House and Congress buildings. The admitted state will be called 'Washington, Douglass Commonwealth'.

Contention

Notably, the bill presents potential points of contention regarding the political implications of statehood for D.C. Supporters argue it is a matter of civil rights and representation, while opponents express concerns about the political influence such a new state might wield, particularly given D.C.’s current demographic and political leanings. The proposal also seeks to repeal the 23rd Amendment, which currently allows for D.C. electoral votes in federal elections, and replace it with a system permitting D.C. residents to vote in their former state of residence, which could be contentious for those advocating for D.C. statehood.