Sen. Marshall: Dems want D.C. Statehood? Make it part of Maryland

(Washington, D.C., April 22, 2021) – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. today introduced a bill to make Washington, D.C. part of Maryland in response to Democrats’ power grab efforts to grant D.C. statehood. Following introduction, Senator Marshall issued this statement:

“Three months into the 117th Congress, it appears Democrats are determined to rush through power grab after power grab. Their latest effort to grant D.C. statehood is just another example of their political greediness and goal to alter the very fabric of our republic. Americans recognize this blatant power grab intended to increase the number of Democrat Senators so they can enact their radical agenda and forever tip the scales of power in their favor,” said Senator Marshall. “If the Democrats want D.C. statehood, make it part of Maryland.”

Background:

Democrats are pushing to admit Washington, D.C., as the 51st state under the guise of the need for equal representation for capital residents. However, the Founders never intended statehood for our nation’s capital. Instead, they intended for the capital of the newly formed United States to be a neutral site for co-equal sovereign states to conduct the nation’s business. In “The Federalist” No. 43, James Madison warned of the likely “imputation of awe or influence” onto the new national government should it be located within a state. Furthermore, the Democrats bill ignores the requirement of a constitutional amendment to grant D.C. statehood. If Democrats truly want representation for the residents of the capital, Congress should consider alternatives that make sense for the nation as a whole, not just the Democrat Party.

Senator Marshall’s bill would revert the majority of residential areas located within the boundaries of Washington, D.C., to the state of Maryland. The National Capitol Service Area – consisting solely of the National Mall and federal buildings – would remain the District of Columbia. Representative Dusty Johnson (SD) introduced a companion in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Senator Marshall also introduced a Resolution repealing the 23rd amendment. This is necessary to remove D.C.’s three electoral votes should the retrocession occur.

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