Rapid Responsa: What's Next for DC Voting Rights
It seemed that the District was closer than ever been in its quest to obtain voting representation in Congress. However a late amendment to the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009 offered by Senator John Ensign (R-NV) called the Second Amendment Enforcement Act sought to strip the District government from enacting “laws or regulations that discourage or eliminate the private ownership or use of firearms.” When the amendment passed, a divide was created among those campaigning for DC voting rights, with some believing that an accommodation could be reached with pro-gun Democrats, and others insisting that a vote in Congress could not come at the expense of public safety or the broader democratic rights of District residents.
As a result, on June 9, Senate Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced that the legislation would not move forward, saying, “There is not a consensus among the leadership of the District of Columbia on this issue as I understand it. And as a result of there not being consensus, I don't think we're going to be able to move the bill at this point in time.”
Is there a way around this apparent political reality? How do we get to consensus and would it really result in a better deal? Indeed, what now for DC Voting Rights? Congressional leaders are blaming local leaders, local leaders are blaming the NRA. As the continuing struggle enters a new phase, join us and our panel to deconstruct what went wrong this time, what needs to be done in the future, and how best to achieve voting rights for DC in the current political climate.
Featured speakers include:
- Michael A. Brown, DC Council, At-Large (Ind.)
- Keshini Ladduwahetty, DC for Democracy
- Elissa Froman, JUFJ Board Member and National Council of Jewish Women
- and a representative from DC Vote
Support provided by the John R. Risher, Jr. Public Affairs Forum Endowment Fund
Co-sponsored by Jews United for Justice and the Jewish Community Relations Counci.
Jews United for Justice shares information about events & opportunities sponsored by JUFJ allies, or information about local Jewish or inter-faith events and opportunities which concern local social justice issues, local anti-poverty work, or religious teachings about social justice issues.
It is up to our discretion whether or not to list a particular event or opportunity. No events will be listed which take place outside of the greater DC area, or which focus primarily on international issues. We may choose not to publicize events which take place on Shabbat (the Jewish Sabbath - from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday), or on Jewish holidays.
To submit an event or opportunity for consideration to be listed on our website please email us a one-paragraph description.
