D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton once again introduced legislation to Congress that would make D.C. the country’s 51st state. This isn’t the first time she has introduced such a bill and likely won’t be her last.
The New Columbia Admissions Act would give the State of New Columbia two voting senators and a voting member of the House of Representatives. The bill stipulates that the state would not have jurisdiction over federal buildings and territory within its borders.
The statehood measure came to a vote only once in 1993, according to the Washington Post, and died in the House with a 153-277 vote (nearly every Republican and more than 100 Democrats opposed the legislation.) The bill has never come to a vote in the Senate, and Norton said she is working to get the bill introduced in that chamber.
The fight for D.C. statehood did get a small victory on Tuesday. President Obama agreed to put D.C.’s “Taxation Without Representation” license plates on presidential vehicles. President Bill Clinton had these plates on his fleet of vehicles when he was president, but President George W. Bush opted not to. This is just a small symbolic gesture, but shows the president at least supports the cause on some level.
IN OTHER NEWS:
* Both Cuccinelli and McAuliffe raised more than $1 million in last six months.
* And Cuccinelli got $50,000 from the Koch brothers
* O’Malley is right there with the other big 2016 Democratic contenders pushing for gun control
* McDonnell’s felon’s rights bill isn’t doing so well, and barely made it out a Senate panel yesterday
* Surprise, Surprise: D.C. Councilman Tommy Wells said to be ready to form committee for D.C. mayor run
* A report finds that savings are only marginal from D.C. school shutdowns
* Moody’s economist advises Maryland to fund education but not raise gas tax in 2013
* A Republican subcommittee kills no-excuse absentee voting legislation in Virginia
* Dragas reappointment to UVA’s Board of Visitors passes first test
