Congressman Cohen Votes for District of Columbia Statehood

WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today voted for H.R. 51, Washington, D.C. Admission Act, making 66 of the 68 square miles of the present federal district a state.

The vote on passage was 232 to 180.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I enthusiastically voted for D.C. statehood because it's the right thing to do. I have supported D.C. statehood since I was in the Tennessee State Senate. As a representative of the people, I realize how important it is to have representation in Congress, and the people of the District should not be denied a member of the House of Representatives and two Senators with a vote.

"Residents of the District have fought in every American war, including the Revolutionary War. D.C. pays more in federal taxes than 22 states and pays more in federal taxes per capita than any state. D.C. has a larger population than Wyoming or Vermont. By passing this bill today, we make the case that taxation without representation is inherently unfair and un-American, and anticipate that, one day, D.C.'s legitimate rights will be recognized."

The bill would create a new federal District consisting of the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the U.S. Supreme Court, the principal federal monuments and the federal buildings adjacent to the National Mall and Capitol Building. Congressman Cohen noted that Congress reduced the District by 30 percent in 1846 when it returned District land to Virginia.

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