John,

On June 1, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard across Washington, DC to break up peaceful protests. Because DC is not a state, and therefore has no governor, the president has full control over the DC National Guard and was able to use it to deny American citizens their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.

Donald Trump's actions over the last few weeks have made clear that it's past time for statehood for Washington, DC. The over 700,000 people who call Washington, DC home deserve voting representation in Congress and democratic control over the decisions that govern their city.

Now, momentum is building for DC statehood. Over 223 members of the House of Representatives have signed on to co-sponsor HR 51, the Washington, DC Admission Act.

The Washington, DC Admission Act is scheduled for a vote in the House this Friday, and we need all hands on deck to show the overwhelming grassroots support for DC statehood.

Will you sign DFA's joint petition with Daily Kos to tell your representatives in Congress to vote yes on DC statehood?

DC residents must seek Congressional approval -- without voting representation -- for everything from funding for the city's schools to infrastructure and road repairs.

Denying DC residents voting representation in Congress and budgetary control over their own city is the ultimate form of voter suppression in a city that is majority Black and brown.

DC residents are United States citizens. They pay taxes and serve on juries. But they are denied a vote in Congress.

It's time to make Washington, DC the 51st state. Add your name to our joint petition with Daily Kos if you agree >>

Thanks for raising your voice today to demand representation for our fellow American citizens. The 700,000 residents of DC deserve a vote.

— Charles

Charles Chamberlain, Chair
Democracy for America