McEachin Votes for D.C. Statehood

Statement

Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) issued the following statement following House passage of H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, legislation that would admit the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the Union as the 51st state [SC1] .

"It is critically important that every American be heard in our democracy. Our country was founded on the basis of equal representation, yet the residents of our nation's capital -- an international symbol of freedom and democracy -- still lack representation within our own federal government," McEachin said. "As a strong advocate for voting rights, I am proud to support D.C. statehood and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass H.R. 51."

Currently, the 700,000 residents of Washington, D.C. do not have full voting representation in Congress or full local self-government, despite having a larger population than some states. Residents of D.C. serve our country in the military, pay federal taxes, and even have three votes in the Electoral College. Despite this, D.C. residents are currently denied a full voting member in the House of Representatives and two U.S. Senators. House passage of H.R. 51 represents a significant step in the fight to give a voice and full representation for those residing in the District of Columbia.

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