US Federal Senate Bill SB51

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/23
• Refer: 1/24/23

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

If enacted, SB51 would fundamentally alter the governance structure of Washington D.C., enabling it to operate as a state with legislative authority over its own affairs while still retaining some connections to federal governance. It legislates the transition of authority and responsibilities from local to state governance, which includes the continuation of certain federal laws, particularly those relating to employee benefits and public services. This transition aims to ensure that residents of Washington D.C. receive equitable representation and funding similar to states, fostering local autonomy while managing its unique federal relationship.

Summary

SB51, known as the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, aims to provide for the admission of Washington D.C. as the state of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the United States. This bill outlines the procedures required for D.C.'s admission, including holding elections for representatives in Congress and stipulating that the federal government's authority over certain properties remains intact. The bill specifies that the lands currently under federal control, such as those housing military facilities and significant federal buildings, will maintain their status and not be subject to state taxation except as permitted by Congress.

Contention

Notably, some points of contention surround the limitations placed on the new state concerning taxation of federal properties and the enforcement powers of federal agencies such as the Capitol Police. While supporters argue that statehood is essential for enhanced democratic representation and local governance, detractors express concerns about the potential for legislative conflicts between state and federal authorities. Opponents fear that relinquishing control to local governance could compromise the capital's functionality as the nation's seat of government, depending on how authority is delineated in practice.