WASHINGTON — While the House of Representatives passed the Washington D.C. Admissions Act, D.C. residents and veterans called for the Senate to give back to those who serve, which meant granting for D.C. statehood.
“We actually pay more in taxes collectively than 20 states. We have a larger population than two states, yet we have no voice just at the other end of the street,” D.C. Votes Executive Director Bo Schuff said.
Protesters said that more than 300,000 DC residents and 30,000 veterans are disenfranchised without proper state citizenship.
“The country called on me and other people my age to serve our country, and here we are in DC, have served our country, some have given their ultimate sacrifice for our country, yet we don’t have any voting rights,” David Donaldson, a Veterans United for DC Statehood member said.
Although no state has been admitted with a constitutional amendment, representatives called for DC to be the first and said this is necessary — especially for veterans.
“We, the residents of the District of Columbia, really support our veterans. We want them to have better health care and better resources so that they will be able to live with dignity,” Rep. Adeoye Owolewa (D-DC) said.
