Congressmember Eleanor Holmes Norton has introduced H.R. 51, a bill to admit Washington, D.C., as the 51st state of the Union.
Norton, who serves as D.C.’s delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives, has long championed statehood for the district, which has a population greater than Vermont and Wyoming. Under current law, Norton can introduce bills and vote in House committees but does not have a vote on the full House floor, highlighting the district’s lack of full representation in Congress. They also don’t have a member of the United States Senate.
The bill has already garnered 162 cosponsors, making it the most widely supported pieces of legislation in the 2025-2027 session of Congress, with nearly 500 bills already filed. This impressive support represents 75% of all House Democrats, who currently hold 215 seats. No Republicans are sponsoring the measure.
H.R. 51’s backing underscores growing momentum within the Democratic Party to address D.C.’s disenfranchisement and elevate its status to that of a state.
Proponents of the bill argue that statehood would correct longstanding inequities for the district’s over 700,000 residents, who pay federal taxes but lack full representation in Congress. It would also grant D.C. full autonomy over local laws, including its marijuana policies. While D.C. legalized marijuana in 2014, congressional restrictions have prevented the establishment of licensed recreational marijuana stores. As a state, D.C. would no longer need congressional approval for such measures, giving local lawmakers greater control over policies affecting residents and businesses.
H.R. 51 faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled House. However, with record-high support among Democrats and growing awareness of the district’s unique challenges, advocates see the bill as a critical step toward equality.
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