Alternatives
Many alternatives to outright statehood have been proposed. It is possible that the state of Maryland could take back the land it ceded for the District, as Virginia took back the land it ceded in 1847 (present-day Arlington County and part of Alexandria). Such an action would require an act of Congress and approval from the state of Maryland. This would make residents of the District residents of a state without granting the District statehood per se.
Other suggestions include allowing voting rights in the House of Representatives, but not in the Senate, to reflect what some view as the uniquely non-state status of the District. This proposal for a District of Columbia vote in the House of Representatives has been passed in the House, but has yet to be put to a vote on the floor of the Senate. This proposal has been cited for constitutional problems because the Constitution dictates that representation must come "from the several states," and since the District of Columbia is not a state the bill would be disputed in court.
A more recent suggestion is the creation of a government district around the National Mall in downtown Washington including the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court. This government district would be under the direct control of Congress, as the Constitution intends. Because this more compact district would have virtually no permanent residents, the debate about their full participation in the federal government would be moot. The remainder of the District of Columbia could become a city within Maryland or a new state.
Read more about this topic: District Of Columbia Statehood Movement
Famous quotes containing the word alternatives:
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