Tennessee Representative Ogles proposed an amendment to H.R. 8773 to defund the DC Statehood Commission, also known as the New Columbia Statehood Commission. The commission advocates for Washington, D.C. to become the 51st state by lobbying Congress, educating the public, drafting legislation, and engaging with the community to build support for statehood. This proposal is seen as another tactic to restrict the representational autonomy of D.C.’s citizens.
“This amendment is just another attempt to silence DC in our pursuit of equality and fairness” says Rep Oye “Mr. Ogles has once again put politics over people by trying to defund DC’s Statehood Commission. For the past decade, DC Senators and Representatives have reached across both aisles, amplifying our cause for DC Statehood and strengthening our American Democracy. Since 2021, as DC’s Representatives, I have gone to different states, both Republican and Democratic led, to promote DC Statehood. Along with other statehood champions, we have introduced and/or passed DC Statehood resolutions across this country. I have appeared on worldwide platforms to advance our cause. Mr. Ogle’s proposed amendment proves that forces against Democracy are noticing our efforts. As DC’s Representative, I vow to fight back against these threats, scale up the advocacy and present our noble cause to all of America. We in DC deserve our voices heard, our vote counted, and our rights protected. Our only path forward is DC Statehood.”
As US Representative, Rep. Oye has helped increase vaccine access to DC residents during the pandemic, implemented science enrichment programs in DC public schools, and addressed environmental justice by aiding in the restoration of DC;s federal parks. Rep. Oye attributes much of his success to his upbringing—the example his mother set in community organizing and his father’s discipline and love for academia. His mission is to ensure DC residents, namely children, have equitable access to solid education, supplemental programs, representation, and opportunity in the community. Rep Oye’s evidence-based programs help improve public health and safety while his Capital Business Seminars aim to level DC’s economic playing field. Overall, Rep. Oye’s mission is to bring DC’s Voice to National Matters