D.C. in spot to become 51st state with new resolution

Since Joe Biden took office, the resolution to make Washington D.C. into the nation's 51st state has been reintroduced and gained traction in the Senate.

After U.S. President Joe Biden finally took office, the resolution to make the Washington D.C. into the nation's 51st state has been reintroduced and gained traction in the Senate. The riots at the U.S. Capitol back on Jan. 6 further escalated the call for the resolution, with Biden also becoming a supporter of statehood, via WJLA.

Since Washington D.C. isn't officially a state as of the moment, local leaders had no powers to activate the National Guard when such attacks occur, as compared to the other states in the country. If the resolution was approved, the bill will eventually grant the District full control over its laws and finances. In addition, it will also give D.C. residents a voting representative in Congress.

Sen. Tom Carper, D-Del., was reportedly the leader of the legislation along with other Democratic co-sponsors. Despite the support from the administration, the bill might still run into the opposition as many members of the Republican Party are still holding office as lawmakers. They might potentially dismiss the legislation as an attempt by the Democrats to a power grab.

For years, I have fought alongside @EleanorNorton and @MayorBowser to make #DCStatehood a reality and to give the over 700,000 D.C. residents a voice, vote, and full representation in Congress.

Today, I'm proud to introduce #S51 to make D.C. the 51st state in our Union. pic.twitter.com/PFBHULC6lj

— Senator Tom Carper (@SenatorCarper) January 27, 2021

Del. Eleanor Norton is the only individual who is serving as a representative of the District and is restricted to cast votes once the proceedings begin.

“Washington D.C. is home to more than just federal buildings and monuments. It’s also home to more than 700,000 Americans taxpayers who, despite our nation’s founding mantra — ‘no taxation without representation’ — pay their share of taxes without full voting representation in either chamber of Congress,” she said.

The details pertaining to the effects of the resolution once it is approved has not yet emerged. It also remains to be seen if the potential statehood of Washington D.C. will have an effect on the district's professional sports teams, most especially the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Football Team of the NFL.