DC statehood Megathread (pg 33 - Manchin questioning constitutionality)

[President Johnson]

I would be open to the idea of PR statehood, but DC should in no scenario be admitted as a state. This is just a powergrab.

Powergrab? The citizens of the District of Columbia, which about the same as Wyoming, are supposed to pay federal income tax but have no representation in congress? How is that a powergrab? If Republicans are unhappy with their voting patterns, try to appeal to them. At least that's what Republicans say to Democrats when latter complain about small states like Wyoming or North Dakota.

[President Johnson]

I apologize if that was discussed some pages back, but how would House members be assigned from the newly state of DC? If I'm not mistaken, the House size 435 seats per law, so they would have to take seats from other states right after the 2020 Census redistricting. Or would the House just be expanded by a seat?

[President Johnson]

How is this dead now? Last time I heard Manchin being asked, he said to be open to the idea. Or is the damn filibuster the problem? I guess they could nuke the filibuster for state admissions then, even if complete removal of the filibuster can't get done.

[President Johnson]

Still of the belief that if Manchin, Sinema, and other Senate Dem tries to kill this bill on the basis of "muh senate rules" their political careers will be dashed, dead, and destroyed.

Manchin is very likely retiring in 2024 anyway and Sinema still thinks playing the "independent Democrat" by upholding out of time senate rules is doing her a favor at home in Arizona.

[President Johnson]

Welp...looks like this is dead for at least another 2 years....

Manchin says he doesn’t support D.C. statehood bill

Foolish, even if you ignore the fact that DC residents are not properly represented in congress. Two extra senators would give Manchin and Sinema cover to vote with Republicans on certain issues without derailing the Democratic agenda.

That's why I'm still mad for Gideon and Cunningham not winning. Or Bill Nelson.

[President Johnson]

Your arguments literally make no sense at all. Over half a million people live there, similar to the state of Wyoming. Why grant latter representation through two senators and not the people of the District of Columbia? Just because they are "wealthy" and bureaucrats"? Since when are certain demographics or professions considered more worthy of representation than others?

The district was created as such and it doesn't make sense to dissolve the city to become part of Maryland or Virginia and exclude certain government facilities either. The sole reason Republicans oppose DC Statehood is because they don't want another two Democratic senators and are happy with their overrepresentation in congress. An advantage they would still maintain with DC as a state.