As a U.S. Senator, Barack Obama co-sponsored a bill to grant full-voting rights to the District of Columbia’s delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, as President of the United States, he’s said he’s ready and willing to sign such legislation into law.
The 44th President might get his chance. A DC voting rights bill is moving forward in the U.S. Senate. This week, it gained a 62-person filibuster-proof majority that permitted it to proceed to the full floor.
Eight Republican senators joined Democrats in supporting the proposal. The bill’s proponents attracted bi-partisan support by offering another permanent House seat to Utah, a GOP stronghold.
If the measure clears the Senate, it is likely to enjoy smooth sailing through the House, where a similar measure attracted a majority vote in 2007.
Supporters in the District of Columbia see the legislation as a critical step toward the goal of statehood and eventual voting rights in the Senate. Many GOP opponents fear that if the heavily Democratic DC ever receives two senators, it will further dilute their party’s influence in that chamber.
DC has a large FAMU National Alumni Association chapter and is a major stop on the university’s annual recruitment trips. Students from the nation’s capital qualify for in-state tuition rates in Florida.
Go D.C.!
ReplyDeleteAs a DC Rattler I must say this is a great leap for representation. However, there is still much debate on if we (dc citizens) want full statehood. If this election is started there is another fight waiting
ReplyDeleteFact Check:
ReplyDeleteThe DCTAG expands higher education choices for District residents by providing grants of up to $10,000 toward the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public four-year colleges and universities throughout the US, Guam and Puerto Rico. The grant also provides up to $2,500 per academic year toward tuition at private colleges in the Washington, DC Metropolitan area, private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, and two-year colleges nationwide. DCTAG is neither need nor merit-based.
At least give them a vote. Statehood is not necessary for representation. This is plain unfair and illegal.
ReplyDelete2/25/2009 6:18 PM,
ReplyDeleteYou're right. The statement should have just read that DC students qualify for in-state tuition rates in Florida. The correct has been made.
Ok, I know that I probably should know this, but I don't. I'm the first to admit that I'm a bit arrested when it comes to DC's statehood status. So could someone please explain to me in laywoman's terms what the benefit of "statehood" will mean to the citizens of DC. Thanks.
ReplyDelete10:48,
ReplyDeleteStatehood for DC residents essentially ends the U.S.'s long standing policy of taxation without representation of residents of the District. Statehood would provide them with the same representation in the U.S. House and Senate afforded other residents of the U.S.
D.C. currently has more residents than 14 states, but no vote and no voice.
Laws passed by the D.C. Council (the city's Legislature) must be approved by Congress. No other state has this kind of oversight.
D.C. residents pay more federal income taxes than 21 states, but no vote. Statehood would rectify this.
The constitution stands in the way. It will not be amended. A lot of effort for nothing. Those folks should concentrate on the District's terrible school and crime problems.
ReplyDeleteD.C's schools and crime are no worse than some states , so get off the nation's capital !!!!
ReplyDeleteThe constitution PURPOSEFULLY put the seat of government in a district that is not a state.
ReplyDeleteNo state should have the power to enforce its wishes on the other states.
DC is unique for a very good reason. You should seek to understand the wisdom of the founder's intentions, before you knee jerk and turn this into a territory or a state.