Washington, D.C. Admission Act

Summary

Admits the District-area entity as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth while keeping a reduced, separately governed federal Capital. It sets rules for the new State's first federal elections and congressional seating, preserves federal property and programs during transition, defines jurisdiction over military and Coast Guard lands, changes certain voting and electoral arrangements, and establishes an 18-member Statehood Transition Commission to coordinate the move to statehood and the federal Capital's geographic reduction.

• Admits the District-area entity as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth and creates a separately governed, smaller federal Capital.
• Sets rules for the new State's first federal elections and seating in Congress, and changes representation-related federal law (including repeal of the Delegate office).
• Preserves federal property title and protects federal programs, pay, pensions, courts, and prosecutions during an initial transition period.
• Reserves federal authority over military and Coast Guard lands while allowing limited concurrent State jurisdiction consistent with federal law.
• Creates an 18-member Statehood Transition Commission to coordinate transfer of programs, property, funding, and the Capital's geographic reduction.
• Allows Capital residents to vote in their prior State's federal elections by absentee ballot and provides expedited congressional consideration to repeal the 23rd Amendment.
• Limits the new State's ability to tax federal property and waives State claims to ungranted federal lands.
• Provides staffing, pay caps, and authorizations for the Transition Commission and requires key deadlines for appointments and meetings.
• Maintains continuity of pending legal matters, offices, and federal services immediately after statehood with staged transfer triggers.
• Includes a severability clause and a presidential certification requirement within 60 days.