Norton Thanks Obama for Marching Orders in Eulogy for Lewis to Pass the D.C. Statehood Bill Now

Washington, D.C. —Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today expressed profound gratitude to President Barack Obama for including District of Columbia statehood among the marching orders he outlined in his moving eulogy of Congressman John Lewis.

On July 30, 2020, Norton traveled with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, other congressional members, former presidents - Clinton, Bush and Obama - and many other distinguished guests to Lewis's funeral at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

In his eulogy, brimming with hope, perseverance, and unity, Obama called on those remembering Lewis to take responsibility for carrying on his legacy and continuing the fight for equality and freedom for all American citizens, including D.C. residents.

Obama stated, "[o]nce we pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, we should keep marching to make it even better… by guaranteeing that every American citizen has equal representation in our government, including the American citizens who live in Washington, D.C. and in Puerto Rico. They are Americans."

As the home of over 705,000 Americans, D.C. pays more federal taxes per capita than any state, pays more total federal taxes than 22 states, has a budget bigger than 12 states, has a triple-A bond rating, and has a larger population than two states.

"John risked his life fighting for the right to vote when we both were young people in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee," Norton said. "It is with his courage and humility in mind that we pick up the torch to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Washington, D.C. Admission Act in the Senate.

"Last year, House Democrats passed H.R. 1, the For the People Act, setting the stage to pass historic voting rights legislation this Congress. With passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Washington, D.C. Admission Act, the House has followed through on its promises.

"Thank you, President Obama, for taking a moment to spotlight D.C. while remembering our hero and friend John Lewis."

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