Press Release: Norton Introduces Resolution Recognizing D.C. Veterans, Condemns Denial of Statehood

News Release — DC Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton

November 11, 2019

Contact: Jack Miller

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a resolution in honor of Veterans Day, recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting rights in Congress, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia.  Last week, Norton announced she would introduce the Veterans Legal Support Act of 2019, which would allow the Department of Veterans to provide financial support for pro bono legal services for veterans, such as disability claims and foreclosures.  Norton notes that approximately 30,000 D.C. veterans live in the nation’s capital after having defended our nation with their service.  Despite these sacrifices, none of these veterans have full voting rights or self-government at home until statehood.

In her resolution, Norton writes that “the service and sacrifice of all American veterans must be recognized” and “residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States, fighting for the Revolutionary War slogan of ‘no taxation without representation,’ and have served in every war fought by the United States since.”

The full resolution is below.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RESOLUTION Recognizing the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemning the denial of voting rights in Congress and full equality as American citizens for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calling for statehood for the District of Columbia through the passage of H.R. 51, particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

Whereas on November 11, our Nation observes Veterans Day, a Federal holiday commemorating the men and women who served and sacrificed for their country;

Whereas the service and sacrifice of all American veterans must be recognized;

Whereas the service of approximately 30,000 residents of the District of Columbia in the Armed Forces is unparalleled because they served without full and equal rights in Congress;

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia fought to create the United States, fighting for the Revolutionary War slogan of ‘‘no taxation without representation’’, and have served in every war fought by the United States since;

Whereas 635 District of Columbia residents were casualties of World War I, a casualty figure greater than that of 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 of 4 different States during that war;

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

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

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

Whereas residents of the District of Columbia, including active duty servicemembers, National Guard members, reservists, and veterans, continue to be denied full voting rights in the House of Representatives and the Senate; and

Whereas H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, would grant full and equal voting rights as well as unimpeded democratic control over local affairs to the District of Columbia by making it the 51st State:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved,

That the House of Representatives recognizes the service of all District of Columbia veterans, condemns the denial of voting rights in Congress and full equality as American citizens for veterans and their families who are District of Columbia residents, and calls for statehood for the District of Columbia through the passage of H.R. 51, particularly in light of the service of District of Columbia veterans in every American war.

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