News

Washington, D.C. — Today, the United States Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling to deny D.C. residents, who lack the protections and rights of statehood, a voting member of Congress. Several Washingtonians brought a case to secure a voting member in the House of Representatives, arguing that a lack of voting Congressional representation is a violation of the Due Process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

Jamal Holtz, Lead Organizer at 51 for 51, issued the following statement in response:

“The Supreme Court failed to advance representation for D.C. residents and now we need Congress to do its job. Constitutional scholars have debunked Republican arguments against statehood and we can’t let racist rhetoric — or racist rules like the filibuster — block statehood any longer. With voter suppression bills spreading across the country, D.C. statehood must be part of the solution to fulfill the promises of our democracy. We’re closer than we’ve ever been to D.C. statehood and we can’t let the Jim Crow filibuster stand in the way.”

Earlier this year, dozens of legal experts issued a letter to Congressional leaders, affirming that there are no constitutional barriers for Congress to make D.C. the 51st state. Now, a D.C. statehood bill has passed the House, and a record number of 46 Senators support a bill to make D.C. the 51st state.

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.