# What This Resolution Actually Does

This is a symbolic resolution that makes a statement rather than changing any laws. On Memorial Day 2021, it asks the House of Representatives to officially recognize that military members and veterans living in Washington, D.C. don't have the same voting rights as people in the 50 states. The resolution points out that D.C. residents who serve in the military, work as National Guard members, or are veterans can't vote for representatives in Congress and have limited control over their local government—even though they're willing to die for their country.

The resolution uses history to make its case. It notes that about 30,000 veterans currently live in D.C., and that D.C. residents have fought in every major American war since the Revolutionary War (which was literally fought over "no taxation without representation"). The resolution cites specific numbers: D.C. residents suffered more casualties in World War I than three entire states, more in World War II than four states, and more in the Vietnam War than ten states. Nearly 200,000 D.C. residents have served in the military since World War I.

The resolution then connects this historical sacrifice to a specific ask: it calls on the Senate to pass the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, which would make D.C. the 51st state. If passed, this would give D.C. residents voting representation in Congress and more control over their local government. The House had already passed this bill in April 2021, and the resolution is essentially saying that on Memorial Day, the House officially recognizes that D.C. military members and veterans deserve this voting representation. It's a way of highlighting what supporters see as an unfair situation where people willing to fight for America can't fully participate in its government.

Recognizing on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021, the denial of full participation in their Government through statehood by active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are residents of the District of Columbia.

Norton, Eleanor Holmes

 <p>This resolution declares that District of Columbia residents have earned full and equal representation in Congress and full local self-government. It also recognizes that active duty service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families who are District residents deserve passage of the Washington, D.C. Admission Act in 2021.</p>