Overview

Title

To provide for the admission of the State of Washington, D.C. into the Union.

ELI5 AI

Washington, D.C. wants to become a state called Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and this bill wants to make that happen by creating rules for picking leaders, setting new borders, and making sure everything runs smoothly just like in other states.

Summary AI

The bill, S. 51, is intended to admit Washington, D.C. as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, thus allowing it to become a full state in the United States. It outlines procedures for electing Senators and a Representative, establishes the boundaries of the newly formed state while designating a portion as the "Capital" for federal government functions, and addresses the continuation of federal services and legal matters. Additionally, it plans for amendments to existing laws and details the transition process before the statehood transition is complete.

Published

2025-01-09
Congress: 119
Session: 1
Chamber: SENATE
Status: Introduced in Senate
Date: 2025-01-09
Package ID: BILLS-119s51is

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
44
Words:
21,700
Pages:
99
Sentences:
435

Language

Nouns: 7,148
Verbs: 1,311
Adjectives: 819
Adverbs: 200
Numbers: 727
Entities: 1,926

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.13
Average Sentence Length:
49.89
Token Entropy:
5.39
Readability (ARI):
26.44

AnalysisAI

To provide context, the bill in question, labeled as "S. 51," is an effort within the United States Senate to admit Washington, D.C., as a state known as Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, into the Union. This legislation proposes a comprehensive framework detailing the transition of Washington, D.C., from a federal district to a state, affecting its governance, representation, and legal statutes.


General Summary of the Bill

The primary aim of the bill is to guide the process of admitting Washington, D.C., as a new state in the Union. It addresses the procedures for statehood, changes to federal properties and jurisdictions, implications for federal elections, and the continuation of certain federal responsibilities. The bill proposes changing the legal and administrative identity of Washington, D.C., to Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, redefining how its laws and governance operate within the broader framework of U.S. statehood.

Significant Issues

A central concern in the bill arises from the nonseverability clause whereby any part of the law being deemed invalid could void the entire act. This poses a substantial legal risk that could disrupt the state's intended admission if any provision encounters legal challenges.

Boundary delineation for the new state and the remaining federal district lacks precise specification, which could lead to disputes over governmental territories. Relatedly, details regarding the role of federal versus state jurisdiction over specific properties, such as military lands (Section 201) and the public defender service (Section 311), are unclear, risking potential jurisdictional conflicts.

Furthermore, Sections 221 and 223, which regulate voting rights and election participation, suggest inadequate enforcement mechanisms, potentially impacting voter representation in federal elections.

Impact on the Public

This bill, if enacted, would afford residents of the new state full representation in Congress, thereby addressing long-standing demands for equal representation. However, the complexities introduced by the jurisdiction changes and how federal properties and employees are administered might lead to short-term confusion in local governance and services.

The shift in governance could also bring changes in fiscal policy, resource allocation, and local policies, impacting residents' day-to-day lives. The current inhabitants of Washington, D.C., would need to adapt to a state government model compared to the existing federal district framework.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

For local government officials and employees, the bill introduces the potential for substantial changes in job roles, responsibilities, and oversight structures. The language enforcing the continuation of federal civil service benefits indicates a continued reliance on established federal support, yet how this transition is managed could either stabilize or disrupt their positions.

Military and federal property authorities might face complex jurisdictional challenges that require careful negotiation and delineation to prevent operational disruptions.

For voters and civic organizations, clearer enforcement education on newly granted voting rights and changes to election representation is crucial to ensure equitable and informed participation.

Lastly, the federal and state bureaucracies involved will face the daunting task of implementing changes across legal, logistical, and fiscal domains—ensuring minimal disruption to services and responsibilities during this transition will be paramount.

In conclusion, while this bill promises to address issues of representation and local governance for Washington, D.C.'s residents, it also presents intricate challenges that require thoughtful resolution to avoid negative impacts on the day-to-day administration for both the local and federal entities involved.

Issues

  • The nonseverability clause in Section 101(c) could present significant legal risks, as if any part of it is declared invalid, the entire act would be void, potentially leading to political and legal challenges if any minor issue arises.

  • Sections 111 and 112 lack clarity in the exact details of the metes and bounds survey and its results, which could result in disputes over the precise boundaries of the new state and the remaining federal district, raising political and legal concerns.

  • Section 101 addresses the admission of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth as a state but lacks detailed implementation guidelines or fiscal impact analysis, which is critical for evaluating economic implications and the impact on federal and state resource allocation.

  • Section 302 raises concerns about the financial responsibilities and obligations regarding the continuation of federal civil service benefits for employees, which could lead to disputes over financial and legal responsibilities between the federal government and the new state.

  • The language in Section 325 regarding the Army Corps of Engineers' role in water supply is unclear, especially given the conditional nature of its application upon state admission, potentially impacting essential service agreements and water management.

  • The renaming and jurisdiction adjustments in Sections 212 and 213 could lead to confusion and incur substantial administrative and logistical impacts, as they affect various entities within the Department of Justice and federal courts, requiring careful legal and operational transition plans.

  • Sections 221 and 223 involve the rights of residents to vote and participate in federal elections but introduce ambiguities without clear enforcement mechanisms, potentially impacting voter representation and creating legal discrepancies post-admission.

  • Section 201 outlines federal authority over military lands within the new state but could lead to jurisdictional disputes concerning state autonomy and federal oversight, particularly affecting defense-related properties.

  • The amendment of residency requirements for certain federal officials in Section 211 may seem inconsistent and potentially preferential, especially in how it allows certain officials in New York to reside outside their district, raising fairness and ethical concerns.

  • The documentation of potential costs or funding mechanisms for changes across multiple sections, such as in Sections 123 and 114, is lacking, making it difficult to assess public and financial impacts of the bill or draft appropriate budgets.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Short title; table of contents Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section lays out the structure and content of the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act," outlining the main titles and subtitles of the Act, which cover the procedures for Washington, D.C.'s admission as a state, the implications on federal property and courts, federal elections, and the continuation of certain federal responsibilities and authorities. It also includes general provisions related to statehood transition and legal definitions.

101. Admission into the Union Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, it states that Washington, Douglass Commonwealth is to be admitted as a state of the United States with the same rights and status as all other states, provided certain conditions are met. It also specifies that the state's constitution must remain republican and in line with the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, and if any part of this section is deemed invalid, the entire act becomes invalid.

102. Elections of Senators and Representative Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, the Mayor must issue a proclamation for elections of 2 Senators and 1 Representative from the State within 30 days of the Act's enactment. The section outlines the rules for these elections, specifies that the State will have one Representative in the House of Representatives until a new census is conducted, and confirms that upon admission, the State's elected officials will have full rights in Congress.

103. Issuance of Presidential proclamation Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The President must announce the results of certain elections by issuing a proclamation within 90 days after the election results are officially certified.

111. Territory and boundaries Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines that the new State will encompass all territory currently part of Washington, D.C., except for the Capitol area, which will remain as the U.S. Government's seat. Additionally, a detailed survey will be conducted to mark the boundaries of the Capitol area.

112. Description of Capital Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section describes the layout and boundaries of the Capital once a State is admitted into the Union, including notable federal buildings and their locations. It also specifies exceptions, such as the exclusion of the John A. Wilson Building and the inclusion of the Frances Perkins Building in the Capital.

113. Retention of title to property Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Retention of Title to Property section explains that the United States will keep ownership and control over certain properties for management purposes when a new state joins the Union. Similarly, the State will keep ownership and control over specific properties that the District of Columbia was managing just before the state's admission.

114. Effect of admission on current laws of seat of Government of United States Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The laws of the District of Columbia that were in effect before the State's admission into the Union will continue to apply in the Capital as if they are laws of the United States, unless specified otherwise by the Act. These laws will function the same way and to the same extent after the State's admission.

115. Capital National Guard Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section proposes amendments to titles 10 and 32 of the United States Code, replacing mentions of "District of Columbia" with "Capital" to redefine the territorial designation of the National Guard units there as the "Capital National Guard." Additionally, it includes conforming amendments to specify that "Capital" refers to the seat of the U.S. government and designates the commanding general of the Capital National Guard as the equivalent of a "Governor" for relevant legal purposes.

116. Termination of legal status of seat of Government of United States as municipal corporation Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Upon the admission of a new state into the Union, the area known as the Capital will no longer function as a municipal corporation and will not operate as a government entity.

121. Effect of admission on current laws Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section describes how the new State's laws will work once it becomes part of the United States. It explains that the State's existing laws and positions will continue, federal laws will apply similarly as they do in other States, existing contracts won't be affected, and the State will take over the District of Columbia's role in agreements with other States. It also clarifies that certain federal law enforcement agencies can't enforce State laws without permission, but their duties in Washington, D.C., will remain the same.

122. Pending actions and proceedings Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that after the State replaces the District of Columbia, it will take over all legal matters without interruption. Ongoing legal cases, proceedings, and rights will remain unaffected by this change, except where adjustments are allowed by either the new state laws or federal laws.

123. Limitation on authority to tax Federal property Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that states cannot tax any real or personal property owned by the United States, unless Congress allows it.

124. United States nationality Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section of the bill states that no part of the Act will grant, take away, or restore US nationality if it has been legally acquired or lost, even if it involves a law or treaty that the United States is or was part of.

201. Treatment of military lands Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that the United States retains exclusive legislative authority over military or Coast Guard lands in a new state, but only as long as those lands are owned or controlled by the U.S. government. Meanwhile, the state can still exercise its own jurisdiction over these lands, as long as it doesn't conflict with future U.S. laws, and it can also serve legal documents for cases related to events that happened in the state but outside these lands.

202. Waiver of claims to Federal property Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines that the State and its residents give up any claims to property not specifically granted to them by this Act, if such property is owned or controlled by the United States. Additionally, it clarifies that the Act does not change or affect any legal claims against the United States; any decisions about such claims must follow existing U.S. laws.

211. Residency requirements for certain Federal officials Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines new residency requirements for certain Federal officials, such as circuit and district judges, United States attorneys, marshals, and clerks. It specifies where these officials must reside, including exceptions for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, and applies only to those appointed after the state's admission into the Union.

212. Renaming of Federal courts Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The bill proposes changing the name of federal courts and related references from "District of Columbia" to "Capital" or "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth and the Capital" in various sections of Title 28 of the United States Code. These changes will only take effect once the state is admitted into the Union.

213. Conforming amendments relating to Department of Justice Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section involves changes to legal language in U.S. law to replace mentions of "the District of Columbia" with "Washington, Douglass Commonwealth and the Capital." These updates apply to rules about appointing U.S. Trustees and independent counsels, and will only take effect if the state is officially admitted into the Union.

214. Treatment of pretrial services in United States District Court Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

This section amends the U.S. Code to update how pretrial services are managed in Washington, Douglass Commonwealth if it becomes a state. It states that the current services will continue until the new state establishes its own pretrial services, at which point they will transition to local management.

221. Permitting individuals residing in Capital to vote in Federal elections in State of most recent domicile Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section allows people living in the Capital to vote in federal elections held in the state where they last lived, using absentee ballots. It also suggests that states should make it easier for these voters to register and receive ballots, and it permits the Attorney General to enforce these rights in court without affecting the voters' tax residence.

222. Repeal of Office of District of Columbia Delegate Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the repeal of parts of the law creating the position of the District of Columbia Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and updates to the 1955 D.C. Elections Code to remove references to this position. These changes will take effect when D.C. becomes a state.

223. Repeal of law providing for participation of seat of government in election of President and Vice President Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section repeals a law that allowed the seat of government, namely the Mayor of the District of Columbia, to participate in presidential elections. The change will be effective once a new state is admitted to the Union and will affect any future presidential elections from that point on.

224. Expedited procedures for consideration of constitutional amendment repealing 23rd Amendment Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The document outlines a fast-track process for considering a joint resolution in Congress to repeal the 23rd Amendment, which involves placing the resolution on the calendar quickly and setting specific, limited procedures for debate and voting in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, bypassing usual committee reviews and permitting limited debate time. These rules are designed to ensure swift consideration and decision-making on the amendment, while respecting the ability of each House to alter its rules anytime.

301. Federal benefit payments under certain retirement programs Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section states that individuals entitled to federal retirement benefits under the District of Columbia Retirement Protection Act of 1997 will continue to receive these benefits after the State's admission into the Union. It also specifies that the obligations of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia under the Act will remain unchanged, with the State taking on the responsibilities previously held by the District.

302. Continuation of Federal civil service benefits for employees first employed prior to establishment of District of Columbia merit personnel system Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Employees who worked for the District of Columbia before October 1, 1987, will continue to receive federal civil service benefits after D.C. becomes a state. These benefits will be the responsibility of the new state but will remain the same as before.

303. Obligations of Federal Government under judges’ retirement program Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that the Federal Government will continue to have obligations under the judges' retirement program for services accrued before the District of Columbia becomes a state. These obligations will remain until the new state creates its laws for funding the retirement of its judges and certifies them to the President.

311. Public Defender Service Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the continuation of the Public Defender Service's operations and funding for a new state entering the Union, treating the Federal Government as the employer for certain benefits. Additionally, it allows the state to rename the service and specifies that employees will maintain their federal benefits until the state confirms it has its own funding laws for these services.

312. Prosecutions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines the procedure for assigning assistant United States attorneys to a newly admitted State for handling certain criminal prosecutions that were previously managed by the District of Columbia. It specifies that these assignments do not require the State to reimburse expenses and that the Attorney General's obligation ends once the State appoints its own attorneys. The section also clarifies that clemency authority transfers to the State upon its admission, as defined by its laws.

313. Service of United States Marshals Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The United States Marshals Service is required to provide services to a new state's court system in the same way it did for the District of Columbia before the state joined the Union. This obligation ends once the state officially informs the President that it has its own personnel to handle these services.

314. Designation of felons to facilities of Bureau of Prisons Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section explains that individuals convicted of crimes in the District of Columbia before it becomes a state, and those convicted under the new state laws after it becomes a state, will continue to be sent to federal prisons. This will remain in effect until the new state confirms it has its own laws and facilities to handle these convicted individuals.

315. Parole and supervision Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines how the United States Parole Commission and the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency for the District of Columbia will continue their roles after the admission of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth as a state. It ensures the continuation of parole and supervision services as well as the rights to federal employee benefits for employees transitioning to state employment, until the state establishes its own systems and certifies this to the President.

316. Courts Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section discusses how the laws and benefits for employees in the court system of the new State will be similar to those in the District of Columbia before the State was admitted into the Union. It also outlines the continuation of federal benefits and funding, describes the handling of court receipts, and explains when these provisions will end once the State takes full financial responsibility for its courts.

321. Application of the College Access Act Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section discusses that the College Access Act of 1999 will continue to apply to a new state and its designated public university just as it did to the District of Columbia before the state was admitted. However, this application will end (except for the designated public university) once the state certifies to the President that it offers similar tuition assistance as provided under the original Act.

322. Application of the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act will continue to apply to a newly admitted State just as it did to the District of Columbia before the State's admission. The provisions of this section will end when the State certifies that it has its own laws providing similar tuition assistance and funding for its public and charter schools.

323. Medicaid Federal medical assistance percentage Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section describes how a new state's Medicaid funding works initially, using the same funding percentage as Washington, D.C., until the state provides a certification. This certification must show that for the next five years, the state can manage any loss of revenue if this special funding arrangement ends.

324. Federal planning commissions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section outlines amendments to U.S. Code regulations regarding federal planning and commissions following the admission of a new state, including changes in terminology from "District of Columbia" to "Capital" or "National Capital" and adjustments to the composition and jurisdiction of federal bodies like the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. It specifies that these amendments will take effect once the new state joins the Union.

325. Role of Army Corps of Engineers in supplying water Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section amends Chapter 95 of title 40 of the United States Code to ensure that references to the District of Columbia will also apply to the Capital or the newly admitted State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, once it becomes a state. It also defines the term "Capital" as the area serving as the seat of the U.S. government.

9508. Applicability to Capital and State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, it states that when the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth becomes a part of the United States, any mention of the District of Columbia in this chapter will refer either to the Capital or the new state. Additionally, "Capital" is defined as the area serving as the seat of the U.S. Government, according to the Washington, D.C. Admission Act.

326. Requirements to be located in District of Columbia Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

After the State is admitted into the Union, if someone is located in the Capital or Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, they will meet any legal requirements to be in Washington, D.C., as per previous laws, including laws about government offices and national organizations.

401. General definitions Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

In this section, several key terms are defined for use in the Act: "Capital" refers to the U.S. government's seat, "Council" is the governing body of D.C., "Mayor" is the leader of D.C., "State" means Washington, Douglass Commonwealth, and "State Constitution" is the D.C. State Constitution approved in 2016.

402. Statehood Transition Commission Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section establishes the Statehood Transition Commission, consisting of 18 appointed members to oversee and advise on the transition process of Washington, D.C. to statehood. The Commission will provide recommendations to key political figures, convene meetings, and submit reports while having the authority to hold hearings and collect data until it disbands two years after the statehood admission.

403. Certification of enactment by President Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The section requires the President to send a written certification to the Mayor, confirming the enactment of the Act, within 60 days of the Act becoming law.

404. Severability Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

If any part of this Act or changes made by this Act is found to be invalid, the rest of the Act and its amendments will still continue to be in effect, except as described in section 101(c).