The Battle Over D.C. Statehood
The House held a hearing to discuss HR 51, the bill that would grant statehood to Washington, D.C. And let's just say ... it got pretty heated.
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The Democrats' Case
Key Dem arguments: 1) D.C. statehood would give residents a member of Congress, leading to more equity, and 2) denying D.C. statehood has been historically racist given the demographics of residents.
The Republicans' Case
Key GOP arguments: 1) D.C. statehood is a radical leftist agenda, and 2) D.C. residents already impact the national debate with their yard signs and bumper stickers.
And Then There's This "Case"
Didn't think it could get any weirder than the "lawn signs" argument? Well, it did. Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) argued against D.C. statehood because the district doesn't have a car dealership, a landfill, or an airport. Except ... that's not true.
Rep. Maloney Calls Out GOP
After hearing the GOP's case, Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) makes an educated guess as to why Republicans don't want to grant D.C. statehood: They fear it would "dilute their power."
The Last Word
We'll leave you with this moment, when Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) referred to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as "she" while the mayor was sitting ... right there. Bowser fired back.
