Last week, I joined my colleagues in the House in supporting a plan to make D.C. the 51st state of the United States.

This is a historic moment for not only D.C. but for our entire country. It’s also long overdue.

ADD YOUR NAME AND SUPPORT D.C. STATEHOOD >>

Our nation’s capital is home to more than 700,000 Americans -- which is bigger than some current states. Residents pay the highest taxes per capita in the country, they’ve served in our military and have made significant contributions to our economy.

But even so, Washingtonians are denied their right to full, equal representation in our government.

This denial of Washingtonians’ civil rights has been going on for centuries, and in recent months, it’s had painful ramifications. When Congress passed coronavirus relief aid, D.C. didn’t receive equal assistance even though there are tens of thousands of COVID-19 cases in the District.

Often, we talk about electing leaders to Congress who will create the change we want to see in our country, but in D.C., that isn’t an option.

It’s unjust and it goes against everything our democracy stands for.

I’m a proud co-sponsor of the measure to make D.C. a state, and I hope you will join me in supporting this historic effort. Add your name to mine and support D.C. statehood.

Your friend,

Dutch