Norton Applauds White House’s Ringing Endorsement of D.C. Equality Following DC Vote Petition

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today commented on the White House's response to a DC Vote petition asking that the District of Columbia's "Taxation without Representation" license plate be placed on the presidential limousine before the inaugural parade.

"The White House response shows that our city's aspirations for full independence are more than momentary symbolism. Though DC Vote's petition did not reach the standard threshold of 25,000 signatures within 30 days in order to receive a response, the petition brought national attention to D.C.'s status, and the White House responded anyway. The ‘Taxation Without Representation' license plates were put on the President's inauguration motorcade, and they are staying on. Most important, the White House has responded with a ringing endorsement of not only D.C. voting rights, but of home rule and budget autonomy, our major goal this year."

The full text of the White House's response to the DC Vote petition follows.

OFFICIAL WHITE HOUSE RESPONSE TO

Place the DC "Taxation Without Representation" License Plate on the Presidential Limousine.

No Taxation Without Representation!

By David Agnew

That slogan rings just as true today as it did back in 1773.

After living in the District for four years, President Obama has seen firsthand how unfair it is for D.C. residents to spend their lives working hard, raising children, and paying taxes without a vote in Congress.

We hope you noticed that during his Inauguration President Obama's Motorcade was sporting the D.C. "Taxation without Representation" license plates. Well, we've got some good news for you.

Those tags are staying on.

President Obama supports a vote in Congress for the people of Washington, D.C. -- as well as Home Rule and budget autonomy.

President Obama will continue to show his support for efforts in Congress to bring full representation for the people of the District of Columbia -- including displaying its license plates.

So thanks for your petition, and taking part in the We the People platform.

David Agnew is Deputy Assistant to the President and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs

Published: March 12, 2013