Norton Announces Details on How to Watch Upcoming D.C. Statehood Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) announced details today on how her constituents and the general public can watch the upcoming House Committee on Oversight and Reform (COR) hearing on her D.C. statehood bill (H.R. 51). Due to coronavirus and security restrictions, D.C. residents and the general public won't be able to attend the hearing in person, but they can watch it live on COR's website here at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 22nd.
"I remember fondly the crowds of D.C. residents who attended the hearing on the D.C. statehood bill last Congress," Norton said. "Many more people showed up than could fit in the hearing room, so a giant television screen was set up outside for the overflow crowd. While coronavirus safety and security restrictions mean that people won't be able to watch this year's hearing in person, it will be streamed live on COR's website for the thousands who will be watching.
"The House hearing, markup and floor passage last Congress educated the public about D.C. statehood, increasing public support to 54%, according to polls.
"I am also pleased to hear that residents will be holding up D.C. statehood signs on street corners around the District the morning of the hearing and gathering virtually for watch parties.
"This hearing will accomplish important work in making the case for the D.C. statehood bill and educating the public about the need for it, and I encourage all D.C. residents to watch it."
Last Congress, the House passed the D.C. statehood bill, which was the first time in history a chamber had passed the bill. Norton reintroduced the bill in January with a record 202 original cosponsors. The bill now has 215 cosponsors and is almost guaranteed to pass the House again. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) have announced they will bring the bill to the floor. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE) reintroduced the bill (S. 51) in January with a record 38 original cosponsors. The bill now has 40 cosponsors, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
The bill would admit the State of Washington, D.C. from most of present-day D.C. Congress would retain plenary authority over the reduced federal district.