District Representation Moves Toward Reality With Senate Vote

By Michael Neibauer
Examiner 
February 24, 2009 

The historic bill is now one step further in the process than it was in 2007, when supporters fell three votes shy of the necessary 60 to invoke cloture and stop a filibuster.

The legislation would add the 436th and 437th seats to the U.S. House of Representatives, one going to Democratic-dominated D.C. and the other for Republican stronghold Utah.

Sen. Joseph Lieberman, I-Conn., led the charge in the bill's favor, arguing that it is time to end a "fundamental injustice" and provide voting rights to the country's "robust and thriving capital." That the District is disenfranchised, Lieberman said, "should be embarrassing to a nation who's founders rallied around the revolutionary slogan, "Taxation Without Representation is Tyranny."

Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., argued for the opposition, claiming the bill is blatantly unconstitutional.

Senators can now debate the bill, and perhaps amend it, before voting on final approval. That might happen as soon as today, or in several days. The full House is expected to approve a similar measure early next month. President Barack Obama supports the legislation.