A bill for Washington DC to become the 51st State of America is in the process of being developed.
Currently, the District’s population of 700,000 is more than that of Wyoming and Vermont and DC residents pay more in federal taxes than their counterparts in 22 states, yet have no congressional representation, which the bill aims to fix.
While their population is larger than other states, under the CARES Act the district was denied $755 million in emergency funds (the amount provided to less populous states).
In 2016, the district held a referendum where 86% of voters backed statehood, with nationwide support becoming more prominent in recent years.
Republicans strongly oppose the bill, on the grounds that DC would most likely vote Democrat, meaning its statehood would increase Democrat support in the Senate. Arguably, blocking representation on account of it increasing support for the opposition is undemocratic, but Republicans could argue it undemocratic for Democrats to only endorse the bill on account of it increasing support for them.
Advocates argue DC statehood is also a race issue. Washington DC is a historically Black city and Black people still make up 47% of the population.
Joe Manchin, a Democrat who often crosses party-lines, reportedly does not endorse the bill, dealing its advocates a major blow. This means that him not endorsing the bill gives little hope that it will be successful, particularly in such a divided Senate.
Last month the Democrat-dominated House passed the bill with a record number of co-sponsors (232-180) and Joe Biden fully endorses the proposal. Despite this, so far it is not looking likely that it will face success in the Senate at any time soon.
Written by Jessica Craighill
Artwork by Mrishana
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