US
Us Congress Senate Bill SB51

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB51

Introduced
1/9/25  

Caption

Washington, D.C. Admission Act

Impact

If enacted, SB51 will redefine the political landscape of the United States by providing D.C. residents with the same rights as citizens in the states. It would abolish the current governance structure under federal oversight and replace it with a state government system, thereby enhancing local governance. The bill emphasizes the legality of D.C. residents voting in federal elections and establishes the Capital National Guard, marking a formal change in military and civil administration as well. Critics highlight the potential implications for federal jurisdiction in a city predominantly inhabited by federal employees and officials.

Summary

SB51, known as the Washington D.C. Admission Act, aims to facilitate the admission of Washington D.C. as the 51st state, officially dubbed the 'Washington, Douglass Commonwealth'. The bill outlines necessary procedures for statehood including the election of senators and representatives. Furthermore, it mandates the issuance of a presidential proclamation of statehood following its passage. This legislation represents a significant step towards granting voting rights and representation to the residents of D.C., effectively ending its status as a federal district without full sovereignty.

Contention

Opposition to SB51 primarily stems from concerns regarding its implications for the federal system and the potential political power shift it represents. Some argue that statehood undermines the unique status of the capital and could lead to partisan imbalances, as D.C. leans heavily Democratic in its political representation. Proponents, however, argue that it is a matter of civil rights and fairness, as the current disenfranchisement of D.C. citizens is viewed as a violation of democratic principles. The debate encapsulates broader discussions on representation, governance, and the rights of citizens in a democratic society.

Congress_id

119-S-51

Policy_area

Government Operations and Politics

Introduced_date

2025-01-09

Latest SB51 Activity

Companion Bills

US HB51

Same As Washington, D.C. Admission ActThis bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States.The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits.The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives.The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services. The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

Similar Bills

US HB51

Washington, D.C. Admission ActThis bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States.The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits.The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives.The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services. The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.

US SB218

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