Norton Introduces Resolution Recognizing D.C. Servicemembers and Veterans in Advance of Memorial Day

Statement

Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution in advance of Memorial Day recognizing District of Columbia servicemembers and veterans. The resolution also calls for statehood for the District to ensure these servicemembers and veterans enjoy the full rights of American democracy. D.C. residents have served in every war since the Revolutionary War, all without the full and equal rights that can come only with statehood.

"Memorial Day recognizes servicemembers who have died in service to our nation," Norton said. "However, it is especially timely this year to recognize District of Columbia servicemembers and veterans, whose equal service has never come with the equal benefits of American democracy."

On April 22, 2021, the House passed Norton's D.C. statehood bill (H.R. 51), which was only the second time in history a chamber had passed the D.C. statehood bill. The first was when the House passed Norton's bill on June 26, 2020. The Senate companion bill (S. 51) has a record 45 cosponsors. Last year, the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs held the second-ever Senate hearing on D.C. statehood. The Biden administration has strongly endorsed the D.C. statehood bill.

The text of the resolution follows.

RESOLUTION

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, the denial of full participation in their Government through statehood by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

Whereas on the last Monday of May, our Nation observes Memorial Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who died in the service of their country;

Whereas the service and sacrifice of active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families are unparalleled;

Whereas a voluntary military gives the American people the privilege and honor of being protected by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and reservists, instead of through conscription;

Whereas active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans have risked life and limb to protect the American people and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people of the United States;

Whereas approximately 30,000 veterans are residents of the District of Columbia and do not have voting representation in the Congress of the United States or full local self-government in the District of Columbia;

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought in the Revolutionary War, which resulted in the creation of the United States and was fought under the slogan of "no taxation without representation", and have served in every war since;

Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 3 different States during that war;

Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 4 different States during that war;

Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean war, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 8 different States during that war;

Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam war, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 10 different States during that war;

Whereas almost 200,000 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I;

Whereas on April 22, 2021, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which would grant voting representation in the Congress, as well as democratic control over local affairs, to the residents of the District of Columbia by making Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, the 51st State;

Whereas S. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, has a record 45 cosponsors in the Senate;

Whereas the Senate held a hearing on S. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, on June 22, 2021: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That--

(1) District of Columbia residents have earned full and equal representation in the House of Representatives and Senate and full local self-government; and

(2) on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022, the House of Representatives recognizes that active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia deserve passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act by the Senate in 2022.

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