Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Plain Language Summary
# D.C. Admission Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would make Washington, D.C. a new state called "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth." Most of D.C.'s current territory would become part of this state, allowing it to send two senators and one representative to Congress. A smaller federal area—including the Capitol building, White House, Supreme Court, and nearby federal buildings and monuments—would remain under direct federal control as the nation's capital. The bill would eliminate D.C.'s current "Delegate" position in Congress (a non-voting representative role). **Who it affects:** Approximately 700,000+ D.C. residents would gain full representation in Congress for the first time in history.
Federal employees and those working in government buildings in the carved-out capital area would not be affected. The bill would also have implications for Congress, as it would add two new senators and one new representative to the legislative body. **Current status:** The bill (S. 51) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Statehood for D.C. has been a recurring legislative proposal but has faced significant political opposition and constitutional questions about whether Congress has the authority to make this change without a constitutional amendment.
CRS Official Summary
Washington, D.C. Admission ActThis bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States.The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits.The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives.The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services. The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.