Norton Introduces Resolution Honoring D.C. Veterans Who Served Their Nation Despite Being Denied Full Voting Representation in Congress and Home Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced her annual Veterans Day resolution honoring the more than 30,000 D.C. veterans and their families, who served their country without voting representation in Congress or complete home rule. The resolution condemns the denial of voting rights in Congress and full home rule for D.C. veterans and their families and calls for statehood for the District to make D.C. veterans and other residents equal.

"Residents of the District of Columbia have fought and died for their country in every war since the Revolutionary War, which created our country, yet are still denied a full vote in Congress or full home rule," Norton said. "My annual resolution honors their sacrifices. It also gives the most important reason for and encourages our progress on our D.C. statehood bill, which passed the House in June."

Norton's resolution is below.

RESOLUTION

Recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of H.R. 51, particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

Whereas on November 11, our Nation observes Veterans Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who served and sacrificed for their country;

Whereas the service and sacrifice of all American veterans must be recognized;

Whereas the service of approximately 30,000 residents of the District of Columbia in the Armed Forces is unparalleled because they served without voting representation in Congress and full local self-government;

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States, fighting for the Revolutionary War slogan of "no taxation without representation", and have served in every war fought by the United States since;

Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that of 3 different States during that war;

Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, a casualty figure greater than that of 4 different States during that war;

Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean war, a casualty figure greater than that of 8 different States during that war;

Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam war, a casualty figure greater than that of 10 different States during that war;

Whereas almost 200,000 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I;

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia, including active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans, continue to be denied voting representation in the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as full local self-government;

Whereas H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would grant full and equal voting rights in Congress as well as unimpeded democratic control over local affairs to the District of Columbia by making it the 51st State; and

Whereas H.R. 51 was passed by the House of Representatives on June 26, 2020: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemns the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calls for statehood for the District of Columbia through the enactment of H.R. 51, particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.