Bill > S51

This bill provides for the admission of Washington, D.C. as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, with a comprehensive framework for the transition from a federal district to a state. The bill establishes that the new state will consist of the current territory of Washington, D.C., while a smaller area will remain as the Capital of the United States. Key provisions include creating a process for electing two Senators and one Representative, establishing a Statehood Transition Commission to manage the transition, and maintaining existing federal obligations and benefits for employees and residents. The bill renames various federal agencies and courts to reflect the new state's status, ensures continued federal funding for certain programs, and allows residents to vote in federal elections through their most recent state of domicile. The legislation also preserves existing legal proceedings, contracts, and interstate compacts, and provides for the continuation of critical services like courts, public defenders, and offender supervision. Importantly, the bill includes provisions for a constitutional amendment to repeal the 23rd Amendment, which currently grants presidential electors to the District of Columbia, and establishes a process for expedited consideration of such an amendment. The bill aims to provide a smooth transition to statehood while maintaining the federal government's interests and the integrity of the national capital.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/51/all-info