Supporters try to gain House seat for District of Columbia

Those who want something resembling statehood for the District of Columbia are at it again.

Legislation, largely unnoticed in the wake of the Iraq war funding bill and the showdown over the firing of federal prosecutors, is under consideration in the House to grant the Districts residents some 500,000 souls a seat in that body.

Right now, the District and other nonstate U.S. territories such as Guam and American Samoa, have delegates in Congress who can vote on committee level. They can vote on the floor as well, but only if their votes do not affect the outcome of legislation a ceremonial vote, if you will.

The bill would also give Utah a new at-large House seat. Utah narrowly missed gaining a new seat in the last census. This provisions is meant to gain Republican support for the bill, as Utah voters heavily favor the GOP. Its unlikely Republicans in Congress would be thrilled about granting a House seat to the District whose residents are sure to vote Democratic without some counterbalance.

The major roadblock to D.C. having a House vote is that pesky document, the Constitution.

The Constitution says the House should consist of representatives from states. The District is not, and was specifically created not to be, a state.

Supporters claim there is indeed a Constitutional peg to hang such hopes on, under the article that gives Congress exclusive legislative control over the District of Columbia.

Backers claim this allows Congress to authorize a congressional seat for the District.

Its a wobbly peg, at best. Its clear the intent of the Constitution was for states to elect lawmakers and to keep D.C. as ‘neutral territory. Congress has legislative power over the District for that reason. In essence, Congress, as a whole, is D.C.s representative.

Should the bill make it to the White House, it is reasonably certain President Bush will use his veto power.

And thats as it should be. But that wont stop the efforts of those with a vested interest in harnessing D.C.s voting power. They will keep trying.

And one day they might succeed.