Legislation aims to give Washington, D.C. statehood

The bill would have to gain the support of at least 60 senators.

Adding a 51- st state to the united states are once again ramping up.

News 18's cody melin joins us from the alert desk this morning.

Cody, this isn't the first time lawmakers have been looking to do this?

Good morning, marlee.

You're exactly right.

Later on this month, the house is set to vote on a bill that would give washington, d.c.

Official statehood.

The house already went through this process last year, passing with vote of 232 to 180, however, it never went the republican lead senate.

If the house were to once again pass this bill, there would need to be a majority of 60 senators to climb on board to make things official.

If passed, it would give d.c.

Two u.s. senators and a voting representative in the house, like every other state.

To put things into perspective for you, d.c's population is right around 700- thousand people.

That, of course, puts washington d.c.

At a higher population that some u-s states like wyoming and vermont.

Despite having a large population, the district still does not have any voting representation in congress.

As this bill makes it way through the house and to the senate, i'll make sure to keep an eye out for any updates.

At the alert desk this morning.

Cody melin, news 18.

Thanks, cody.

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