DC Vote Urges Senate Leader Schumer & Chairman Peters to Move Quickly, Pass DC Statehood Bill in the Senate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 22, 2021

PRESS CONTACT:
Devon Cruz
[email protected]

WASHINGTON D.C.—Today, DC Vote released the following statement after Senator Tom Carper introduced S. 51, the Senate’s DC Statehood bill: 

“Two days into the Biden presidency, we are excited to see action taken to finally secure Statehood for DC,” said Bo Shuff, executive director of DC Vote. “This is the earliest the bill for DC statehood has ever been introduced in the Senate, and it’s imperative that the House and Senate move swiftly with their consideration of this historic legislation.”

The need for DC Statehood has never been more obvious. On the heels of yet another general election that left 712,000 DC residents without representation, not to mention a terrorist attack that left the District unable to activate its own National Guard troops, it’s now clearer than ever that the time for Statehood is now.

With S. 51 introduced in the Senate’s Homeland Security Committee, we urge Chairman Peters to move quickly, establish necessary hearings, and work alongside Majority Leader Schumer to advance the bill to the Senate floor for a vote. With a record-breaking 39 original co-sponsors, public support at record levels across the country, and support from President Biden, S. 51 should be a top priority in the Senate. 

The residents of DC have waited long enough. DC residents deserve equal representation and the only path forward is Statehood.

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