Tomorrow: Norton to Give Opening Remarks at 2nd Senate Hearing in History on D.C. Statehood Bill

Press Release

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) will give opening remarks at tomorrow's Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs hearing on the District of Columbia statehood bill.

In her remarks, Norton, as the only Member of Congress who represents the District of Columbia in Congress and as the author of the D.C. statehood bill, will highlight the historic nature of the hearing and the fact that the House has passed the bill twice in the last year. Prior to last year, neither chamber of Congress had ever passed the D.C. statehood bill.

"This country was founded on the principles of no taxation without representation and consent of the governed, but D.C. residents are taxed without representation and cannot consent to the laws under which they, as American citizens, must live," Norton said. "Tomorrow's hearing will be truly historic. I look forward to giving opening remarks and to hearing the testimony of the distinguished witnesses."

Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) is the lead sponsor of the D.C. statehood bill in the Senate, which has a record 45 cosponsors, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).

The bill would admit the State of Washington, D.C. from most of present-day D.C. Congress would retain plenary authority over the reduced federal district.

The hearing begins at 10 a.m. Although the public will not be able to attend the hearing in person, the hearing will be live streamed here.

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