After New Endorsements, House Committee Vote Brings D.C. Statehood One Step Closer to Reality
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 14th, 2021
CONTACT:
press@51for51.org
After New Endorsements, House Committee Vote Brings D.C. Statehood One Step Closer to Reality
Washington, D.C. — This morning, the House Committee on Oversight and Reform will mark up H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, and pass it through committee, moving to a full House vote to occur next week. This vote follows yesterday’s news that Senator Ossoff and Senator Hickenlooper will co-sponsor S.51, bringing the Senate companion bill to 45 supporters.
Stasha Rhodes, Campaign Director of 51 for 51, issued the following statement in response:
“This committee vote for D.C. statehood is a crucial step forward in achieving a government that represents all Americans — including the 712,000 mostly Black and Brown residents of D.C. We’re eager for H.R. 51 to have a full House vote next week, but we have our eyes on the Senate to finally correct this 200+ year old stain on our democracy. Last year, Senate Democrats could only show verbal support when Senator McConnell sent the D.C. Admission Act to his legislative graveyard. But now, they have an opportunity to take action — which is why we’re thankful that Senators Hickenlooper and Ossoff have joined this fight to strengthen our democracy. This Congress has a once in a generation opportunity to massively expand voting rights for Black and Brown Americans — D.C. statehood must be front and center.”
To speak with a representative of 51 for 51, please contact press@51for51.org
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51 for 51 is a coalition of D.C.-based and national groups committed to equal representation for the over 700,000 D.C. residents who remain locked out of our democracy. The coalition of 20 progressive groups believe American citizens living in the District deserve a voice in Congress and control over their own local laws. Already, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senators Warren, Markey, Gillibrand and Hickenlooper have endorsed 51 for 51’s proposed path to statehood.
Additional Information
Website: https://www.51for51.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/51for51