Constitutional Law

Congress Considers Giving DC Vote in House

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nv.) is "cautiously optimistic" that his chamber will pass legislation giving the District of Columbia a vote in the House of Representatives, according to staff.  

Currently, D.C.'s only representation in Congress is one seat in the House of Representatives with voting rights on amendments to bills, but not as to their eventual passage or defeat. Today, that seat is held by Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) who share Reid's optimism. "I do believe we have the votes," Norton recently told reporters. However, she warned of "mischief" from opponents, including amendments intended to derail the bill.

D.C. residents have long made a rallying cry of "taxation without representation." In lieu of offering representation, another proposal emerged in the House to do away with federal taxation in the District. Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Tx.) recently introduced legislation that would exempt D.C. residents from federal taxes until they receive full representation in the House. Though seemingly well intentioned, the Washington Post attacked Gohmert's efforts as "misreading D.C. residents' desire for their rights as American citizens as a way to shirk duty to country." The Post editorialized that, in addition to insulting the citizens of D.C. who seek a voice in our country's government, the proposal would have the practical effect of making the District a tax haven for the wealthy. Accordingly, the Post editorial board sees no substitute for legislation like that currently before the Senate.

While similar legislation failed to achieve the 60 votes necessary for passage in 2007, Norton counts 63 or 64 senators on the side of giving D.C. a full voice in the House. Last week, the proposal passed 11 to 1 in committee with bipartisan support, including the votes of Sens. Susan Collins (R-Me.) and George Voinovich (R-Oh.) With Minnesota still settling the dispute over one of its seats, the Democratic caucus currently holds a 58 to 41 majority in the Senate.

After debate on Feb. 23, the bill is scheduled for a preliminary vote on the Senate floor Feb. 24.

Full post as published by ACS Blog on February 16, 2009 (boomark / email).