[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1408]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             D.C. STATEHOOD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, D.C. statehood has just crossed another 
historic threshold. For the first time, the District of Columbia 
Republican Party now supports D.C. statehood, making D.C. statehood a 
bipartisan effort. Moreover, the upcoming ``Statehood Yes'' vote to put 
D.C. residents on the record on statehood is being led by a Republican 
resident, George Vradenburg, a retired AOL executive and 
philanthropist. D.C. Republicans have consistently supported equality 
for our citizens, including the bipartisan bill for a House vote and 
the recent budget autonomy referendum. It is now clear that D.C. 
statehood, including my bill, the New Columbia Admission Act, enjoys 
the support of D.C. residents, regardless of party.
  On November 8 this year, D.C. residents will vote not only for a 
Member of Congress and Members of the D.C. Council, they will vote on 
whether they desire to become the 51st state, and, if so, on the 
constitution for the new state.
  Making the District of Columbia our nation's 51st state would 
overcome the longest denial of democracy by our country to any of its 
citizens. Surely, 215 years of second-class status for the American 
citizens who live in the nation's capital can no longer be tolerated, 
especially today, when D.C. residents pay the highest federal taxes per 
capita in the United States.

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