DC Residents May Finally Get Rep. in Congress

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 23, 2009 2:40 PM CST

(Newser) – Residents of the nation’s capital are poised to finally have a vote in Congress, the AP reports. Debate opened today on a bill that would give Washington’s 600,000 residents a House seat, and with a Democratic Congress and president in place, it might pass this time. Democrats outnumber Republicans 4-to-1 in the District, but Republican-leaning Utah would get an additional seat under the bill.

A view of the West Front of the Capitol building in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

A view of the West Front of the Capitol building is seen Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Bachmann Health Care Rally Draws Thousands

Protesters will roam Capitol hallways to confront lawmakers

(NEWSER) - Thousands of health care reform protesters gathered in Washington today as part of Michele Bachmann’s “Super Bowl of Freedom.” Participants wielding signs like “Waterboard Congress” and chanting "kill the bill" congregated outside the Capitol to hear Bachmann, other GOP lawmakers, and even Jon Voight assail the reform legislation as too costly and too partisan. “Are they going to listen?” Bachmann asked the crowd. “Oh, yeah, they’re going to listen.” More»

Corruption Trial of Ex-Louisiana Rep Kicks Off

Feds say Jefferson took bribes, had $90K stashed in his freezer

(NEWSER) - Jury selection began today in the trial of former Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. The Democrat is charged with taking bribes and using his office to set up business deals in Africa. “It is good to have my family with me,” he said as he arrived at the courthouse in Virginia. In 2005, federal investigators traced $90,000 from an informant to Jefferson’s freezer. More»

Senate OKs Congressional Seat for DC

Measure expected to clear House, but legal challenges remain

(NEWSER) - Washington, DC, moved a step closer today to getting a congressional representative. The Senate voted 61-37 to give the district—and its 600,000 residents—a seat in the House of Representatives, the Post reports. The measure now goes to the House, where it is expected to pass next week. President Obama supports the bill and would sign it into law, but its ultimate fate will likely be decided by the Supreme Court. More»

Congrats, DC: Sen. Burris Is on Your Side

Milbank: Capital has ally in quest for rep ... just not a popular one

(NEWSER) - DC residents have a new Senate ally in their quest for congressional representation. Unfortunately, Dana Milbank points out in the Washington Post, it’s the monumentally unpopular Roland Burris, “the Democrat from Blagojevich.” As Milbank points out, “Burris is not one to be set back by shunning,” launching into a plea for DC voting rights after getting repeated cold shoulders from colleagues. More»

House Movers Shuffle 182 Offices Over Recess

Congress buzzes with activity even without lawmakers

(NEWSER) - Congress may be on Christmas recess, but movers are working overtime to shuffle the contents of 182 House offices to new digs for the new session beginning Jan. 6. Returning members of Congress are trading up to bigger offices, better views, or more convenient locations, CQ reports. New members of Congress are assigned offices by lottery. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

DC Residents May Finally Get Rep. in Congress

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Congress • Washington DC • House of Representatives • Utah • District of Columbia

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Bachmann Health Care Rally Draws Thousands

Protesters will roam Capitol hallways to confront lawmakers

Corruption Trial of Ex-Louisiana Rep Kicks Off

Feds say Jefferson took bribes, had $90K stashed in his freezer

Senate OKs Congressional Seat for DC

Measure expected to clear House, but legal challenges remain

Congrats, DC: Sen. Burris Is on Your Side

Milbank: Capital has ally in quest for rep ... just not a popular one

House Movers Shuffle 182 Offices Over Recess

Congress buzzes with activity even without lawmakers

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

DC Residents May Finally Get Rep. in Congress

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Congress • Washington DC • House of Representatives • Utah • District of Columbia

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Bachmann Health Care Rally Draws Thousands

Protesters will roam Capitol hallways to confront lawmakers

Corruption Trial of Ex-Louisiana Rep Kicks Off

Feds say Jefferson took bribes, had $90K stashed in his freezer

Senate OKs Congressional Seat for DC

Measure expected to clear House, but legal challenges remain

Congrats, DC: Sen. Burris Is on Your Side

Milbank: Capital has ally in quest for rep ... just not a popular one

House Movers Shuffle 182 Offices Over Recess

Congress buzzes with activity even without lawmakers

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?