Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a bill that would make Washington, D.C. the 51st state in America. The bill reportedly has the backing of 202 United States Representatives. President Joe Biden has also pledged his support for the legislation. Pushing the bill forward, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer have stated that they will bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
"For far too long, D.C. residents have been denied their right of self-governance and have faced taxation without representation," Sen. Chris Van Hollen tweeted.
"Sen. Tom Carper, Del. Eleanor Norton and I have introduced our Washington, D.C. statehood bill. Support is growing. Now is the time to get it done."
While the bill has support from the White House and Democrats in the House. It is expected to face stiff opposition from Republicans in the Senate. A filibuster could require Democrats in the Senate to persuade 10 Republicans to support Washington, D.C. statehood. In past years, many members of the GOP have openly opposed Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico statehood. However. Sen Carper doesn't believe that statehood should simply be a partisan issue.
"For far too long, D.C. residents have been denied their right of self-governance and have faced taxation without representation," Carper said, according to NBC News.
“It is therefore incumbent upon all of us who enjoy the right and the privilege of full voting rights and representation to take up the cause of our fellow citizens in the District of Columbia.”
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