URGING SUPPORT FOR FULL VOTING RIGHTS, AND LEGISLATIVE AND BUDGET AUTONOMY FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

WHEREAS, the United States Conference of Mayors recognizes the constitutional right of all citizens to have full representation in the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate; and

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has almost 600,000 residents who continue to lack voting representation in the United States Congress while continuing to shoulder the full burdens and responsibilities of fully enfranchised citizens; and

WHEREAS, the disenfranchisement of the citizens of the Nation's Capitol is contrary to the spirit of liberty and democracy for all, and in violation of the values on which the United States was founded; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of the District of Columbia pay federal and local taxes, abide by the federal laws, serve in the military, but do not have a voting member of the United States Congress to represent their interests; and

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia elects a delegate to serve in the House of Representatives, the delegate does not have voting powers on the House floor, therefore the District residents have no real representation; and

WHEREAS, the Home Rule Act of 1973 recognizes self-government of the District of Columbia residents, separate from the federal government, its buildings and lands; and

WHEREAS, congressional mandate deprives the District of Columbia of full self-governance through Congressional oversight over it's local budget and legislation; and

WHEREAS, the "control period" under the District of Columbia Financial Responsibility & Management Assistance Authority officially ended on September 30, 2001 giving financial control back to the District of Columbia's elected government leadership; and

WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has met and exceeded the financial targets set by Congress by achieving five consecutive balanced budgets, marinating the financial reserve requirements and earning an investment grade bond rating on Wall Street,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The U. S. Conference of Mayors recognizes and fully supports full voting representation and budget and legislative autonomy for the District of Columbia.