HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES : Statehood for District of Columbia

The House defeated a bill (HR 51) that would have granted statehood to the District of Columbia. Under the bill, the federal enclave around the Mall and assorted other properties such as military bases would remain as the seat of the national government. The remainder of the present federal city would become the state of New Columbia. The District of Columbia was created as a federal entity in 1791. Although Congress granted it limited home rule in 1974, the city’s laws are reviewed by Congress and its budget, though mostly raised locally, is determined on Capitol Hill.

Supporter Carrie Meek (D-Fla.) said: “All over the world we are a force for democracy, except in our own capital. . . . District voters have sent us a message. They will not be held hostage, they are not on a plantation.”

Opponent Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) said: “The district, a liberal bastion of corruption and crime, has yet to come even close in this member’s eyes to deserving the awesome privilege and responsibility of statehood.”

The vote was 153 for and 277 against. A yes vote was to pass the bill.

How They Voted

Rep. Beilenson (D) : Yea Rep. Dion (D): Yea Rep. Harman (D): Yea Rep. Waxman (D): Yea

Alternative Punishments for Youthful Offenders

The House passed a bill (HR 3351) to develop penalties other than traditional incarceration for less-than-hardened criminals 22 or younger. The bill provides $200 million annually in matching grants for state and local programs such as shock incarceration, boot camps, weekend jailing and community service. Crimes involving sexual assault, firearms and most forms of violence would not be eligible for one of the alternative punishments.

Supporter Jack Brooks (D-Tex.) said: “Once incarcerated with career criminals, youthful offenders often become hardened criminals themselves and return to their communities with no further hope of becoming law-abiding, productive citizens.”

Opponent Porter J. Goss (R-Fla.) said: “In the minds of many offenders old enough to know better, crime still does pay. That’s why so many members have serious qualms about this bill, which opens the door for reduced sentences and more lenient penalties” for the young.

The vote was 336 for and 82 against. A yes vote was to pass the bill.

How They Voted

Rep. Beilenson (D): Yea Rep. Dion (D): Yea Rep. Harman (D): Yea Rep. Waxman (D): Yea Source: Roll Call Report Syndicate