Support H.R. 51/ S. 51 and D.C. Statehood

As your constituent, I'm urging you to help stop the federalization of local policing in D.C. by denouncing this dangerous political exploitation and supporting the Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51/ S. 51) to finally grant D.C. statehood and protect its right to self-governance. I am deeply concerned by this administration’s unjustified interference in D.C.’s local affairs and have concluded that the only way to fully protect the rights of D.C. citizens is to ensure D.C. becomes a state. D.C. is the only national capital in the democratic world whose citizens do not have equal voting and representation rights – and that reality is rooted in racism. Congress stripped D.C. of its right to self-govern after the Civil War – just as its many new Black voters started to exercise their political power and run for office in D.C. Granting Washington, D.C. statehood is a matter of basic democratic principle. District residents deserve equal representation in Congress, just like citizens in any other state. Currently, more than 700,000 Washingtonians pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and contribute to the fabric of our nation; denying them a vote in Congress runs counter to the values upon which our nation was founded. By granting D.C. statehood through an act of Congress, H.R. 51/ S. 51 is a constitutional, valid exercise of congressional power to correct these ongoing injustices and allow District residents to fully participate and be represented in our national government. Statehood would empower the local representative government to control its affairs, allowing for independent decision-making on matters like budget, infrastructure development, and public health. People who live in D.C. overwhelmingly want statehood, but must rely on those with representation in Congress to take action. Ensuring that District of Columbia residents have voting rights and full representation aligns with our democratic values and principles. That is why I'm reaching out to you today, asking you to advance D.C. statehood and oppose any future interference in D.C.'s home rule immediately. If you believe in democracy and equal rights, you must denounce this federal abuse of emergency powers and support D.C. statehood to prevent it from happening again.