Boehner on Unconstitution DC Vote Grab Legislation

Via email:

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today prior to a House vote on legislation that violates the U.S. Constitution by conferring upon the District of Columbia the same privileges as the 50 states:

"The D.C. bill before us needlessly violates the Constitution and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. Since the District of Columbia is not a state, this bill is a clear violation of Article I of the Constitution which says - very clearly - that the House of Representatives shall be 'composed of Members chosen... by the people of the Several States...'

"There are Constitutional ways of ensuring every American citizen has voting representation in Congress - methods that avoid the inevitable legal challenges and electoral problems this bill presents. This bill short-changes the residents of the District of Columbia who deserve a more serious debate on how to provide them with a greater voice in the federal government."