51 for 51 Statement on House Oversight Committee Hearing on January 6 Insurrection
Washington, D.C. — In response to yesterday’s House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Hearing on the January 6 attack on the Capitol by right-wing insurrections in an attempt to overturn the results of an election, 51 for 51 Campaign Manager Stasha Rhodes issued the following statement:
“D.C.’s lack of autonomy because we are not a state was a cloud that hung over yesterday’s hearing, present in all aspects of the January 6th insurrection. When Congress votes as early as next week to form a January 6th commission, it must consider the impact that D.C.’s lack of statehood had on the loss of life, and the genuine danger it posed to our democracy and the people who live here. Despite efforts by some members of Congress yesterday, 700,000 mostly Black and Brown D.C. residents will not forget what we all saw and felt that day, and we urge Congress to not forget either.”
The Washington, D.C. Admission Act has historic levels of support with 46 Senate supporters and last month, the Biden White House put out a statement of administration policy in support of the House statehood bill. In March, when H.R. 51 passed the House, 51 for 51 lead organizer Jamal Holtz published and op-ed in USA Today where he details his experience as a D.C. native watching the insurrection unfold.
To speak with a representative of 51 for 51, please contact press@51for51.org
Website: https://www.51for51.org/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/51for51
About 51 for 51:
51 for 51 is a coalition of D.C.-based and national groups committed to equal representation for the over 700,000 D.C. residents who remain locked out of our democracy. The coalition of 20 progressive groups believe American citizens living in the District deserve a voice in Congress and control over their own local laws. Already, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senators Warren, Markey, Gillibrand and Hickenlooper have endorsed 51 for 51’s proposed path to statehood.