Washington, D.C. –  Following today’s Senate introduction by Sen. Tom Carper of the Senate companion to Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton’s House bill calling for D.C. statehood, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:

“When Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton reintroduced her D.C. statehood bill in the House on January 3, we did not yet know which party would control the Senate.  With the incredible victories of Senators Warnock and Ossoff two days later, the Senate gained Democratic leadership, paving the way for the cause of D.C. statehood to be heard in the U.S. Senate.  This is an exciting moment for the District of Columbia and the nation.  We urge the House and Senate to pass this bill and end the racially biased exclusion of D.C.’s citizens from full representation in our federal government.”

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About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.