Norton Introduces Resolution Recognizing D.C. Servicemembers and Veterans in Advance of Memorial Day

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution in advance of Memorial Day recognizing District of Columbia servicemembers and veterans. The resolution calls for statehood for D.C. to ensure these servicemembers and veterans - and all District residents - enjoy the full rights of American democracy. D.C. residents have served in every war since the Revolutionary War, all without the full and equal rights that can come only with statehood.

"Each year we take Memorial Day to recognize servicemembers who have died in service to our nation," Norton said. "District of Columbia servicemembers and veterans have fought and died in every war since the Revolution without the equal protections of American democracy - including voting representation in Congress - that residents of the states receive.

"Now, when the will of more than 700,000 D.C. residents as expressed by their democratically elected officials is more frequently under attack by Congress than any time since the 1990s, it strikes me as particularly important to reinforce that D.C. residents have fought, risked their lives, and paid the ultimate price to defend a union that continues to deny them the same rights afforded to residents of other jurisdictions. The only remedy that will ensure permanent equality is statehood for D.C."

The House has passed Norton's D.C. statehood bill twice. When it first passed in 2020, it was the first time in history either the House or the Senate had passed the D.C. statehood bill.

The text of the resolution follows.

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government through statehood for active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RESOLUTION

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, the denial of voting representation in Congress and full local self-government through statehood for active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

Whereas, on the last Monday of May, the Nation observes Memorial Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the members of the Armed Forces who died in the service of their country;

Whereas the service and sacrifice of active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families are unparalleled;

Whereas active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans have risked life and limb to protect the American people and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people of the United States;

Whereas, approximately 30,000 veterans are residents of the District of Columbia and do not have voting representation in Congress or full local self-government in the District of Columbia;

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought in the Revolutionary War, which resulted in the creation of the United States and was fought under the slogan of "no taxation without representation", and have served in every war since;

Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 3 different States during that war;

Whereas 3,575 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War II, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 4 different States during that war;

Whereas 547 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Korean war, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 8 different States during that war;

Whereas 243 District of Columbia residents were casualties of the Vietnam war, a casualty figure greater than that observed by 10 different States during that war;

Whereas almost 200,000 District of Columbia residents have served in the military since World War I; and

Whereas the District of Columbia statehood bill (H.R. 51 and S. 51), the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, has 190 cosponsors in the House of Representatives and 43 cosponsors in the Senate: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That-

1. District of Columbia residents have earned voting representation in the House of Representatives and Senate and full local self-government; and

(2) on Memorial Day, the House of Representatives recognizes that active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia deserve passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act.

###