Norton Resolution Recognizes D.C. Servicemembers on Memorial Day, Calls for Statehood for Them
Statement
The office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced that she has introduced a resolution recognizing District of Columbia servicemembers on Memorial Day. Her resolution also calls for statehood for the District to ensure these servicemembers and veterans enjoy the full rights of American democracy given to other American citizens. D.C. servicemembers have served in every war since the Revolution, all without the full and equal rights that can come only with statehood.
"Memorial Day recognizes servicemembers who have died in service to our nation.," Norton said. "However, it is especially timely this year to recognize District of Columbia servicemembers, whose equal service has never come with the equal benefits of American democracy. The House Committee on Oversight and Reform passed my D.C. statehood bill in February, marking the first time the D.C. statehood bill has been passed in a committee since 1993. The bill, which is expected to pass on the House floor this year, will afford the District's servicemembers, veterans and all its citizens equal citizenship."
Norton's D.C. statehood bill has a record number of cosponsors in the House (223), more than enough to pass in the House this year, and the Senate (35). The House-passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, contained extensive findings supporting D.C. statehood, marking the first time in history either chamber of Congress has endorsed D.C. statehood; Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) strongly endorsed D.C. statehood upon introduction of H.R. 51; House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), a cosponsor of the statehood bill, endorsed D.C. statehood in a strong op-ed; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) unveiled a sweeping proposal to combat voter disenfranchisement, including restoring the Voting Rights Act, establishing national, automatic voter registration laws, and supporting D.C. statehood; and the bill is endorsed by more than 100 national advocacy groups.
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