The Blog

2021-

2021-05-01 f
THE DECLINE AND FALL OF STATEHOOD FOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Manchin says he doesn't support DC statehood, election reform bills

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said on Friday that he does not support a House-passed D.C. statehood bill or a sweeping bill to overhaul federal elections.

Manchin's comments, made during a radio interview with West Virginia MetroNews's Hoppy Kercheval, underscore how some of Democrats' biggest priorities face headaches even if they got rid of the 60-vote legislative filibuster — something they don't currently have the support to do.

Manchin, asked about a bill to grant D.C. statehood, said the idea had been studied by previous Justice Departments.

"They all came to the same conclusion: If Congress wants to make D.C. a state, it should propose a constitutional amendment ... and let the people of America vote," Manchin said.

Pressed if he would oppose a stand-alone bill, Manchin added "Yes, I would."

"I would tell all my friends ... if you go down that path because you want to be politically popular ... you know it's going to go to the Supreme Court," Manchin said. "So why not do it the right way?" (read more)

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