Washington, D.C. Admission Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Speaker, as a Member representing the territories, I would rather pay taxes than have the treatment that this body gives to those that live in the territories. I believe it is the greatest scam and an okey-doke that you have allowed us not to pay taxes and hold that against us to ask for our equal treatment. So keep paying those taxes and you will get your Statehood one day.

Mr. Speaker, the United States territories that I represent are also not on equal footing with the rest of the Nation. There is no representation in the U.S. Senate. No equal voting representation in the House of Representatives. Unlike D.C., we cannot vote for President. We know what it is like to be part of the greatest country in the world but not a full participant, and it feels incomplete.

As Americans, we strive to be productive citizens and an asset to the Nation. Statehood for D.C. is a matter of fairness that has been slow in coming. This city, built by African Americans with the use of forced labor, contributes more in Federal taxes on a per person basis than many States. It is a punishment to Americans living in the capital, including those working in policy or public service for the good of the Nation, to be disenfranchised when they establish a home in the District.

This body changed the boundaries in the 1800s to ensure that slave owners could keep their slaves. We have changed the boundaries in the committee to allow for the Federal city to still exist and the residents of D.C. to become a State. It has been done by this body before. Don't make it seem like it is something that can't happen again. At this very moment, citizens across this Nation are clamoring for change, equality, and justice. With one vote, we can deliver that for the people of D.C.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to do what is right and allow the people of this city to feel whole, to feel complete, to feel like they matter. Support H.R. 51.

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