Eleanor Holmes Norton, the longtime non-voting House delegate representing Washington D.C., announced her retirement from Congress on Tuesday, expressing pride in her advocacy for statehood and confidence in the next generation.
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Longtime Advocate for DC Statehood, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Announces Retirement
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic non-voting House delegate representing Washington D.C., announced her retirement on Tuesday, bringing an end to her 33-year tenure in Congress. In a post on social media, Norton expressed her deep commitment to fighting for statehood and her confidence in the next generation.
"With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I’ve raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans in DC – the same rights given to residents of the states for 33 years," Norton said in a tweet that included her full statement. "Now, with pride in our accomplishments, gratitude to DC, and confidence in the next generation, I announced I’ll retire at the end of this term."
Norton's retirement marks a significant loss for those advocating for statehood for the nation's capital. As a delegate, she could vote in committee but had no voting power on the House floor. Despite this limitation, she played a critical role in raising awareness about the issue and pushing for legislation to grant D.C. statehood.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Born on August 19, 1937, in Washington D.C., Norton grew up in the segregated South and became a leading figure in the civil rights movement. She served as the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1977 to 1981 and was the first woman to head the agency. In 1991, she was elected as the non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to represent D.C. in Congress.
Throughout her career, Norton has been a tireless advocate for statehood for Washington D.C. She has sponsored several pieces of legislation, including the District of Columbia Admission Act, which would grant D.C. statehood, and the New Columbia Admission Act, which would make D.C. the 51st state.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Norton's retirement comes at a crucial time for the statehood movement. With a Democratic majority in the House and President Biden expressing his support for statehood, there is renewed hope for the cause. However, the prospects in the Senate are uncertain, making Norton's departure a significant loss.
"Eleanor Holmes Norton has been a fierce advocate for DC statehood for over three decades," said John Pudner, founder and president of Take Back Our Republic, a group that advocates for reducing the size and power of the federal government. "Her retirement marks the end of an era for the statehood movement, but her legacy will live on, inspiring the next generation to continue the fight for full representation for the residents of the District of Columbia."
Despite her retirement, Norton remains committed to the cause. In her statement, she pledged to continue advocating for statehood and working to ensure a smooth transition.
"I'll continue to fight for DC statehood from the outside," Norton said. "I’ll keep you all informed, and I hope you'll keep me informed as well."
Sources:
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the longtime non-voting House delegate representing Washington D.C., announced her retirement from Congress on Tuesday, expressing pride in her advocacy for statehood and confidence in the next generation.
CONTENT:
Longtime Advocate for DC Statehood, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Announces Retirement
Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old Democratic non-voting House delegate representing Washington D.C., announced her retirement on Tuesday, bringing an end to her 33-year tenure in Congress. In a post on social media, Norton expressed her deep commitment to fighting for statehood and her confidence in the next generation.
"With fire in my soul and the facts on my side, I’ve raised hell about the injustice of denying 700,000 taxpaying Americans in DC – the same rights given to residents of the states for 33 years," Norton said in a tweet that included her full statement. "Now, with pride in our accomplishments, gratitude to DC, and confidence in the next generation, I announced I’ll retire at the end of this term."
Norton's retirement marks a significant loss for those advocating for statehood for the nation's capital. As a delegate, she could vote in committee but had no voting power on the House floor. Despite this limitation, she played a critical role in raising awareness about the issue and pushing for legislation to grant D.C. statehood.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Born on August 19, 1937, in Washington D.C., Norton grew up in the segregated South and became a leading figure in the civil rights movement. She served as the chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission from 1977 to 1981 and was the first woman to head the agency. In 1991, she was elected as the non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to represent D.C. in Congress.
Throughout her career, Norton has been a tireless advocate for statehood for Washington D.C. She has sponsored several pieces of legislation, including the District of Columbia Admission Act, which would grant D.C. statehood, and the New Columbia Admission Act, which would make D.C. the 51st state.
A Bittersweet Farewell
Norton's retirement comes at a crucial time for the statehood movement. With a Democratic majority in the House and President Biden expressing his support for statehood, there is renewed hope for the cause. However, the prospects in the Senate are uncertain, making Norton's departure a significant loss.
"Eleanor Holmes Norton has been a fierce advocate for DC statehood for over three decades," said John Pudner, founder and president of Take Back Our Republic, a group that advocates for reducing the size and power of the federal government. "Her retirement marks the end of an era for the statehood movement, but her legacy will live on, inspiring the next generation to continue the fight for full representation for the residents of the District of Columbia."
Despite her retirement, Norton remains committed to the cause. In her statement, she pledged to continue advocating for statehood and working to ensure a smooth transition.
"I'll continue to fight for DC statehood from the outside," Norton said. "I’ll keep you all informed, and I hope you'll keep me informed as well."
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