Vote on DC Bill Likely Not Happening in August

The Post reports today, what we found out yesterday before the rally. That the Senate will likely not take up the DC Voting Rights Act before the August recess. Congresswoman Norton assured everyone that this will not affect the chances of passage…but we should still push to get it on the agenda before the break.

DC Shadow Senator Mike Brown had the line of the day:
“No Vacation Without Representation!”

(Photo by Keith Ivey)

Despite the wind, cold, and rain thousands of people showed up today to march and demand a vote for the District of Columbia in the House of Represenatatives. We heard from Mayor Fenty, Chairman Gray, and Delegate Norton - all of whom gave fantastic speeches on the issue in front of a very enthusiastic crowd. The weather cut short the time for eloquent remarks that would have been made by the Shadow Delegation, but I’m not one to have people stand in the rain.

Afterward we had a nice reception in the Dirksen Senate Office Building hosted by Senator Lieberman. I used to intern for him back in 1989, so of course he remembered all the great work I did stuffing envelopes and answering phones. (Just kidding…but I did hang up on his wife in the first hour of my internship. Way to hit the ground running in DC!).

Senator Lieberman has been a huge champion on this issue and I know his leadership in the Senate will get this bill to the desk of the President. And if he doesn’t sign it, we’ll take to the streets again and march the other way on Pennsylvania Ave!

A tip of the hat to DC Vote and all their coalition partners in running such a smooth event. The people came out in force today, and it will make a difference.

Updated: Here is the Post article on the event:
“Getting Out to Get a Vote”
(PHOTO: IntangableArts)

I’m writing another reminder to get ready to march in support of DC voting rights today.

The march is on rain or shine (or wind). . . so please be sure to dress appropriately. The meeting point is Freedom Plaza at 13th and Pennsylvania Avenues, NW at 2:30 p.m.

The best Metro stops are Metro Center or Federal Triangle.

After some quick speeches by Mayor Fenty, Chairman Gray, and Congresswoman Norton we’ll march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol and rally in support of efforts to give DC a real vote in the House of Representatives.

If you can’t get out of work to make the march, please consider leaving early and meet us at the Capitol reflecting pool at Pennsylvania and 3rd Street NW around 4:00.

Great day on the Hill as the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R. 1433) was passed out of the House Oversight and Reform Committee today by a vote of 24-5.

There were a number of amendments that were offered - the most entertaining one was by Representative Lynn Westmoreland. He attempted to amend the bill to read that if the partisan balance of a Democratic member from the District and a Republican member from Utah did not materialize, then the bill was null and void. Chairman Waxman wisely pointed out the United States Congress should not be in any position to tell people who what party they need to vote for. (Of course that amendement went nowhere, and I think Representative Westmoreland was just trying to make some sort of point )

Tomorrow there is a hearing in the Judiciary Committee at 10:00am in 2141 Rayburn. And then a mark-up on Thursday. It’s going to be an historic week!

Additional Reading:

Chairman Waxman’s Opening Statement

Opening Statement of Ranking Member Tom Davis

Washington Post Article:
D.C. Could Get First Full Vote in House

Good news! Efforts to give DC a vote in the House of Representatives are showing momentum. The District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2007, now H.R. 1433, is going to have a number of hearings this week in the House.

The first one is March 13th in the Oversight and Government Reform committee, followed by a hearing the next day in the Judiciary Committee. The details are as follows:

DC Voting Rights Act Mark Up
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee

Date: Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Location: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building
Time: 10:00 AM

Judiciary Committee on DC House Voting Rights Act

Date: Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Location: 2141 Rayburn House Office Building
Time: 10:00 AM

If you can make either of these hearings, please find me and say hello.