In Floor Remarks, Norton Says Impeachment Vote is Another Reason for D.C. Statehood

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) prepares to speak on the impeachment of President Trump tomorrow, she spoke on the House floor today on why the impeachment vote provides yet another reason to pass her D.C. statehood bill, which should – and she believes will – pass the House next year. Citing impeachment, as well as war and peace, the most solemn of matters, Norton said, "the more than 700,000 Americans who reside in our nation's capital cannot be recorded when the impeachment vote is taken tomorrow." She said D.C. residents have the right to vote for president and should therefore also be able to vote on whether to remove a president.

Norton's full remarks follow.

Mr. Speaker, when the matter of impeaching President Trump comes to the House floor tomorrow, the House will vote on its most solemn matter, except for matters of war and peace. Yet, more than 700,000 Americans who reside in our nation's capital cannot be recorded.

It is un-American to deny any Americans who pay federal taxes the vote on any bill. That denial is even more unconscionable, considering that D.C. residents pay the highest federal taxes per capita in the United States.

The 23rd Amendment of our Constitution gave D.C. residents the right to vote for President and Vice President. It should follow, as day follows night, that D.C. residents should have the vote to remove the President, as well.

Yet another reason, Mr. Speaker, the House will pass our D.C. statehood bill next year.