Washington, D.C. Admission Act

This bill seeks to admit Washington, D.C., into the Union as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth , making it the 51st state. Upon a Presidential proclamation, the new state would gain full equality with existing states, including the right to elect two Senators and at least one Representative to Congress. This fundamental change aims to provide full voting representation to the residents of the current District of Columbia. A core provision of the bill is the establishment of a distinct federal enclave, to be known as the "Capital," which will continue to serve as the permanent seat of the U.S. Government. This area will encompass essential federal buildings and monuments, such as the White House, the Capitol Building, and the Supreme Court. The remaining territory of the current District of Columbia will constitute the new state. The new state would immediately gain full voting representation in Congress, with the House of Representatives permanently increasing to 436 members to accommodate the new state's initial Representative. Residents of the remaining federal Capital area would be permitted to vote in federal elections in their most recent state of domicile. The bill also includes expedited procedures for Congress to consider a constitutional amendment repealing the 23rd Amendment, which currently grants electoral votes to the District of Columbia. The legislation ensures the continuity of existing District of Columbia laws, contracts, and governmental functions, transitioning them to the new state or the federal Capital area. Federal services currently provided to D.C., such as the Public Defender Service, U.S. Marshals, and the Bureau of Prisons, will continue to operate, with provisions for the new state to eventually assume responsibility for these functions. This also includes the continuation of federal benefit payments for certain retirement programs and civil service benefits for eligible employees. The United States will retain title and jurisdiction over all federal property within the new state's boundaries, and the new state will disclaim any claims to such property. The bill also renames federal courts, such as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, to reflect the new structure, becoming the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Capital. Residency requirements for certain federal officials are also adjusted to align with the new geographical definitions. To facilitate a smooth transition, the bill establishes a Statehood Transition Commission composed of federal and local appointees. This commission will advise on matters related to property, funding, and programs during the shift to statehood and the reduced federal capital. The bill also addresses the continued application of programs like the College Access Act and Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, and the Medicaid Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, with mechanisms for the state to take over these responsibilities.