The House will vote TODAY to make #DCstatehood a reality.

If you haven’t heard of DC statehood, you should. Here’s why. [thread]

American independence was fought under the rallying cry “No Taxation Without Representation,” yet D.C. residents have suffered this injustice for 219 years.

Right now, 700,000 taxpaying Americans – more than the population of Vermont or Wyoming – have no vote in Congress or the ability to fully govern themselves.

D.C. residents pay the highest per capita federal taxes of ANY jurisdiction. In total, they pay more than 22 current states.

D.C. residents cannot vote in Congress on key issues. This year, D.C. residents did not have a Representative – or Senators – who could vote on impeachment, possible war with Iran, or coronavirus relief.

D.C. does not have “home rule,” or the ability to govern itself. Congress can block any local law they disagree with. Imagine a Congressman from Kentucky or Arkansas blocking your local county, state or town laws.

30,000 veterans live in the District. After serving their country, D.C. servicemembers return home and still have no voice in Congress. How can we ask them to serve yet withhold the very rights they fought to defend?

D.C. has a majority-minority population, with Black Americans accounting for nearly 46 percent of residents. The two officials leading the charge are both Black women, @EleanorNorton & @MayorBowser.

#DCstatehood would likely put more Black Reps + Senators in Congress. Good.

Our democracy has added 37 states, freed enslaved people, changed the way we elect senators, & given women the vote.

Each step has made our country stronger, more representative, and more just. This is a defining civil rights and voting rights issue. It's time for #DCstatehood.