🧵 Yesterday, DC Rep. @EleanorNorton introduced the DC Statehood Bill with a record 202 original co-sponsors. This, along with the For the People Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, are the cornerstones for necessary democracy reform.
American democracy is built on the promise that all people should have a say in our federal government through elected representatives.
However, that is not the case for the 700,000 Americans who live in DC: indivisible.org/resource/makin…
However, that is not the case for the 700,000 Americans who live in DC: indivisible.org/resource/makin…
Unlike citizens who live in one of America’s 50 states, DC residents lack:
❌ Voting representation in the House
❌ Any representation in the Senate
❌ Voting representation in the House
❌ Any representation in the Senate
In addition, the lack of statehood means DC does not have control over their own affairs. Congress approves DC’s budget and can even override local laws passed by DC residents and its actual elected local officials.
Why is this the case? The answer is pernicious. DC is a historically Black city and since Reconstruction, white politicians have worked to deny DC representation to inhibit Black political power in our federal government.
Our Senate was created to favor white, rural areas. This means that BIPOC and people living in urban areas receive less representation in our Senate -- making DC a state would begin to counteract this bias.
We can right these historic wrongs & rebalance our democratic systems that favor the white & wealthy. With Democrats controlling the House & White House, we have a chance to make DC statehood a reality. Make sure your Representative supports DC statehood: indivisible.org/demand-your-re…
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