(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser issued the following statement in response to the passage of H.R. 1, which contained a findings section endorsing statehood for Washington, DC. The bill’s passage marks the first time either chamber of Congress has endorsed DC statehood.
“Today marks a historic moment for the DC statehood movement and our fight to bring equality and full citizenship to our 700,000 residents. I thank Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton for working methodically and relentlessly to ensure statehood is a priority for this Congress. It is only fitting that this sweeping legislation to strengthen our democratic systems endorses granting full voting rights to Americans living in our nation’s capital.
“Momentum for statehood is at an all-time high with a record number of House cosponsors and key endorsements from Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. We are committed to building support across the nation by educating our fellow Americans about our struggle. DC residents pay taxes, have fought in all of the nation’s wars, and have all the other obligations of citizenship. Now, we are demanding our fundamental rights as American citizens. I look forward to seeing Congresswoman Norton’s statehood bill brought to the floor later this year.”