TN Rep. Ogles introduces amendment to federal budget that would defund DC's statehood efforts

Republican Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles introduced a new amendment on Tuesday to the federal budget that would curb Washington, D.C.'s efforts to become a state, by pulling funds for the New Columbia Statehood Commission. 

The United States Constitution established Washington, D.C., as a federal city that is operated by Congress, rather than belonging to a state. However, D.C. residents are allowed to vote in local and federal elections, and supporters of the statehood movement claim the district often operates as its own state or county, per The Hill.

The district also has its own member of Congress, Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, who can sit on committees, introduce legislation, and speak in Congress, but cannot vote on the full House floor.

Ogles recommended the House stop funding the New Columbia Statehood Commission, which helps organize the effort to make the district a state, and block the district from using the funds to pay for a U.S. Senate election for the city.

“This amendment is just another attempt to silence D.C. in our pursuit of equality and fairness,” shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa said in a statement. “Mr. Ogle’s proposed amendment proves that forces against Democracy are noticing our efforts. As DC’s Representative, I vow to fight back against these threats, scale up the advocacy and present our noble cause to all of America. We in DC deserve our voices heard, our vote counted, and our rights protected. Our only path forward is DC Statehood.”

There are two shadow senators and one shadow House member, who is different from Norton, that are elected by the district, but the shadow members are not recognized by Congress as members of their respective chambers.

Puerto Rico also has shadow members of Congress, and a single House delegate – who, like Norton, cannot vote on the House floor – to represent its interests in the lower chamber, according to Ballotpedia. Puerto Rico is considered a United States territory and therefore is also not a U.S. state.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.