The bill outlines the process for admitting Washington, D.C. as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth into the Union, impacting its representation in Congress and federal matters. It addresses the specific boundaries and properties that will constitute the Capital, the continuation and termination of federal benefits, changes to the United States Code, and the establishment of a Statehood Transition Commission. The bill also addresses federal courts, federal elections, federal property, and general provisions, including the establishment of expedited procedures for the consideration of a constitutional amendment repealing the 23rd Amendment. If passed, it would redefine the status and governance of Washington, D.C., and the functions and authorities of the federal government within the new state.
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
This bill provides for the establishment of the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and its admission into the United States.
The state is composed of most of the territory of the District of Columbia (DC), excluding a specified area that encompasses the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the U.S. Supreme Court building, federal monuments, and federal office buildings adjacent to the National Mall and the U.S. Capitol. The excluded territory shall be known as the Capital and serve as the seat of the government of the United States, as provided for in Article I of the Constitution. The state may not impose taxes on federal property except as Congress permits.
The bill provides for the DC Mayor to issue a proclamation for the first elections to Congress of two Senators and one Representative of the state. The bill eliminates the office of Delegate to the House of Representatives.
The bill applies current DC laws to the state. DC judicial proceedings and contractual obligations shall continue under the state’s authority. The bill also provides for specified federal obligations to transfer to the state upon its certification that it has funds and laws in place to assume the obligations. These include maintaining a retirement fund for judges and operating public defender services.
The bill establishes a commission that is generally comprised of members who are appointed by DC and federal government officials to advise on an orderly transition to statehood.
