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Johnson Proposal Circumvents Need for D.C. Statehood by Merging Suburbs with Maryland

January 27, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) reintroduced the District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act, legislation that would revert the majority of Washington, D.C., suburbs to the state of Maryland. The National Capitol Service Area, consisting solely of the National Mall and federal buildings, would remain the District of Columbia.

"The District of Columbia-Maryland Reunion Act kills two birds with one stone," said Johnson. "It removes the need for D.C. statehood, while also providing representation to individuals living in the district by merging the suburbs with Maryland. This proposal isn't out of the question, Congress has done it before in 1847 when large parts of D.C. were returned to Virginia. My proposal accomplishes the goal of representation without creating a 51st state – that's compromise."

Additionally, Johnson introduced a constitutional amendment to repeal the 23rd Amendment which provides electoral college votes to the District of Columbia. If residential areas of Washington were returned to the state of Maryland, residents would have full representation in Congress, in addition to representation through the Electoral College.

A bill to give statehood to Washington, D.C., passed the U.S. House on June 26, 2020. President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer have also expressed their support for D.C. statehood.

Click here for the full bill text and here for the constitutional amendment.