If  some senators have their way, the United States of America may have a  51st state in the coming new year. The Wednesday before Christmas,  Senators Joe Lieberman, Dick Durbin, Patty Murray and Barbara Boxer  presented a bill which would change the status of the District of  Columbia to the ability to become the nation's newest state if voters in  the District approve.

Noting  that thousands do not have voting representation in Congress, the  senators are pushing to enfranchise the citizens of Washington as the  State of New Columbia. Not all of the District would be included,  however, in the new state. Excluded will be federal buildings such as  the Capitol and Supreme Court as well as the National Mall under the  direct control of Congress.

The  District was originally set up so that no state could have perceived  influence on the powers that run the country. Of course it was never  envisioned that the population would grow to the size it now is.

If  the full Senate and House of Representatives pass the bill, we could  see District residents voting to remain a District or becoming a state.  Looks like Puerto Rico may be waiting to become the 52nd state instead  of the 51st.

Should the District be allowed to become a state?

Should Congress allow District residents to vote on statehood?

From  the Cornfield, I do understand the sentiment to allow voting  representation in Congress. Our nation was founded in part over the  issue of representation. Remember the catch phrase at the time? No  taxation without representation. It would seem only fair to provide such  representation to the residents of the District.

http://buzzfeed.com/zekejmiller/democratic-senators-push-to-make-new-columbia-na