“Decisions on policies that impact D.C. residents’ rights, liberties, health, and welfare are routinely made by Congress — a body that neither represents their interests nor is politically accountable for its decisions regarding the District. Statehood for D.C. is long overdue.” ”

“Without statehood, Congress can and has blocked the District from what’s fair, its right to self-determination and implementing local laws. This had life-or-death consequences in the 1990s, when Congress forbade syringe exchange programs for District residents, an essential tool in containing the HIV epidemic at that time. Just as it was then, D.C. statehood is crucial for the health and well-being of its 712,000 residents and should be made a first 100 day priority.”
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“The District of Columbia is home to more than 700,000 Americans that include fire fighters, teachers, small business owners, and veterans. That’s more people than the states of Wyoming and Vermont, almost as much as Alaska. The District of Columbia has completed the steps typically required of prospective states, including passing a referendum supporting statehood and drafting a state Constitution. Expanding the congressional representation of citizens in the District of Columbia is the next logical step in ensuring that all citizens have representation and a voice in our government and democratic process.”
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“We are in solidarity with the 700,000 plus residents of the District of Columbia many of whom demand statehood now. The District is healing today, as it was made clear on January 6th that the power of its leadership was hindered by not being a state.””

““All veterans swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, ensuring equality and justice for all U.S. Citizens. There are over 700,000 Americans in our nation’s capital who are not represented by Congress. Their voices are being diminished, and their rights to the same democracy other citizens enjoy are being denied. We must bring statehood to the District.”
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“During the capitol riots, members of congress were protected by police officers – 140 who were injured and 2 who died by suicide following the attacks –have no representation in the House or Senate or full voting rights. And these brave officers, along with the 712,000 residents of Washington, DC, had no say during the Impeachment Trial. DC Statehood is long overdue.””

“We are in the 6th mass extinction and the only one caused by human activities. This biodiversity crisis will impact every American, including those who live in the District of Columbia. Destabilizing nature’s balance negatively impacts agriculture and food, water, health, access to medicine and quality of life. Yet, more than 700,000 tax paying citizens can not directly demand and expect Congress to take action to stop this crisis, because they don’t have representation in Congress. The residents of the District deserve representation in the Senate and House so they can save nature, wildlife and their own lives. ”

““The many crises we face – from climate change to a broken food system to crumbling water infrastructure – require a strong democracy in which people can push back against the power of corporations. While we need to get money out of politics and to secure voting rights across the country, we can begin by enfranchising the residents of our capital. DC statehood is essential to securing a strong, democratic government that empowers people over profit.””

“Congress must pass transformational democracy reforms, including DC Statehood (HR51), which will put the power of our democracy back into the hands of the people. This is the kind of reform we need to strengthen our path towards a more green, just, and equitable planet. It is only when we can all fairly participate in the democratic process that we will have the kind of future we want and need.””

“Granting DC statehood would mean that the District would finally be able to enact laws that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ residents in the District without undue influence from future anti-LGBTQ federal lawmakers or presidents. Statehood would also permanently grant LGBTQ residents voting members of Congress who can fight for their rights – something that has been denied to all DC resident since their disenfranchisement when the District was founded 1790.””

“National Council of Jewish Women supports statehood for D.C. as a vital and long overdue step toward racial justice, equity and equality. As the pandemic has devastated our communities, it has never been more apparent that statehood is imperative for the residents of D.C. – particularly our most vulnerable women, children and families.””

“Over 700,000 people – predominantly people of color - call the District home but lack the Congressional representation to which they are entitled. Making DC the nation’s 51st state is a long overdue and necessary action to dismantle racist systems and structures that disenfranchise people of color, and will bring us closer to achieving racial and housing justice.”

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“These 700,000 Americans, some of whom are members of our union, bear all the responsibilities of other American citizens – they pay taxes, serve on juries, are subject to federal laws, and serve their country on overseas military assignments. They also should have voting representation in the legislative chambers that make these laws and set these taxes which they are obligated to follow. No American citizen should be a second-class citizen.”
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“Democratic representation is a fundamental human right that is being denied to the residents of Washington, DC. The denial of statehood rights to DC is an extension of this country’s history of white supremacy, economic exploitation, and voter suppression. We stand with the residents of DC in their struggle for the basic right to have their vote count.”
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“The District of Columbia is home to over 700,000 people. Denying D.C.—a majority Black and Brown city—the right to statehood is a form of voter suppression rooted in white supremacy. Since it is not a state, D.C. must get congressional approval in order to pass its own legislation to combat the climate crisis, promote justice, and ensure equity for all of its residents; D.C. constituents cannot even elect voting members to the very same Congress that overrides its laws. D.C. Statehood is a vital step towards establishing a multiracial democracy that is equipped to tackle climate change and other crises that disproportionately impact the most marginalized members of our community.””