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Norton Requests White House Use “Taxation Without Representation” License Plates on Presidential and Vice-Presidential Vehicles

February 2, 2023

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton wrote President Joe Biden requesting presidential and vice-presidential vehicles use D.C. licenses with the “Taxation Without Representation” slogan. The slogan is automatically included on most D.C. license plates by the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles, though there is an option to request that it be left off an individual’s license plate.

"I am grateful for your support of D.C. statehood. D.C. residents, who pay full federal taxes, are denied voting representation in Congress,” Norton wrote. “The use of the standard D.C. license plate on the Presidential and Vice-Presidential vehicles will help communicate the disenfranchisement of D.C. residents to the country and to the world.”

Presidential administrations have added and removed the slogan from the plates of presidential and vice-presidential vehicles throughout the years depending on the president’s political party. The slogan was added under President Clinton, removed under President Bush, added again under President Obama and eventually removed under former President Trump.

The full text of Norton’s letter follows.

February 1, 2023

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President:

I write to request that the standard District of Columbia license plate, which includes the “End Taxation Without Representation” slogan, be used on the Presidential and Vice-Presidential limousines and sport utility vehicles.  I understand these vehicles currently use the D.C. license plate that does not have this slogan.  Prior Democratic presidents, and even for a time President Trump, have used a D.C. license plate with the taxation slogan.

I am grateful for your support of D.C. statehood.  D.C. residents, who pay full federal taxes, are denied voting representation in Congress.  They deserve the full equality that can only come with statehood.  The use of the standard D.C. license plate on the Presidential and Vice-Presidential vehicles will help communicate the disenfranchisement of D.C. residents to the country and to the world.

Sincerely,

Eleanor Holmes Norton