IL HJR0016

Illinois urges the U.S. Congress to enact federal legislation granting statehood to Washington, D.C.

The resolution notes that D.C. residents (approximately 712,000 as of 2020) share all responsibilities of U.S. citizenship, including federal taxes and military service, but lack full representation in Congress.

District of Columbia residents approved statehood in a November 8, 2016 referendum by 86% vote, and the U.N. Human Rights Committee and Organization of American States have called for addressing D.C.'s lack of political equality.

The resolution cites Congress's repeated interference with D.C.'s limited self-government through restrictions on spending locally-raised tax revenue, despite D.C. maintaining balanced budgets since fiscal year 1997.

The proposed Washington, D.C. Admission Act (H.R. 51 and S. 51) would grant the State of Washington, D.C. two Senators and at least one House member with all rights of citizenship.