Press Release: Rep. Oye Introduces DC Statehood Resolution on WV House of Delegates Floor

News Release — Rep. Oye Owolewa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Julian Goldstein

Community Liaison

Charleston, WV – Following a momentous trip to the State Capitol Building in Charleston, WV, DC Representative Oye Owolewa led an opportunity to introduce a DC Statehood Resolution (HCR 86) with Minority Leaders Doug Skaff Jr. and Sean Hornbuckle. With this historic resolution, members of the WV legislative body acknowledged the importance of DC becoming the 51st state.

This resolution specifically calls on Congress to complete universal democracy by granting DC residents voting representation. Currently, DC residents live as second-class citizens with the continuous denial of statehood. Washingtonians lack congressional voting rights, the final say over local laws, and control over their budget and resources. After recent Republican threats to strip the District of home rule, it is more apparent and important to increase neighboring state support to amplify the voice for DC Statehood.

One key priority for Rep. Oye is to raise support for DC Statehood in states where congressional members have yet to sponsor a DC Statehood bill. With HR-51 passing in the House in 2021, the focus has shifted to increasing support within the Senate. Currently, WV Senators Manchin and Capito have failed to support DC Statehood. This lack of senatorial support motivated Rep. Oye to visit West Virginia and discuss Statehood and other pressing matters. Rep. Oye is working diligently to galvanize state-level support and lobby in Capitol Hill.

“I would like to thank Minority Leader Doug Skaff Jr. and the other WV lawmakers,” said Representative Oye, “for stepping up in our fight for equality. Not only does HCR 86 highlight the increased support for DC Statehood, but also creates the blueprint for other states to follow. Once DC Statehood is achieved, more progressive lawmakers will exist who will be able to vote on today’s most pressing issues like health care, infrastructure, and environmental justice.”

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Dr. Oye Owolewa is a practicing licensed pharmacist currently serving as the US Representative of Washington, D.C. In this role, he fights for DC Statehood while bringing resources and experiences to DC residents. 

Representative Owolewa also focuses on bringing the Voice of DC to national legislation. Although without a congressional voting seat, Rep Oye uses his platform to lobby on pressing issues and how they affect those living in our nation’s capital.

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