Fundamental fairness: Statehood for Washington, D.C.

The introduction of H.R. 51, a bill to make Washington, D.C., the 51st state — the “Washington, Douglas Commonwealth” — would grant its 700,000 residents the same rights enjoyed by Americans in every other state — full voting representation in Congress.

This historic measure has triggered intense political and partisan controversy because, if enacted, the likely result would be the el...