Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) has made a bold move by introducing legislation to make the Virginia cities of Arlington and Alexandria part of Washington, D.C. This bill, known as the Make DC Square Again Act, aims to reverse an 1846 law that returned these regions to the state of Virginia. According to McCormick, this move will restore the original ten-mile-square district and put an end to the unfair advantage that Virginia Democrats have gained in recent years.
The District of Columbia, or D.C. as it is commonly known, was created in 1790 as the permanent capital of the United States. At that time, it consisted of a ten-mile-square area of land, carved out of portions of Maryland and Virginia. However, in 1846, the Virginia portion of D.C. was retroceded back to the state, leaving only the current District of Columbia under federal control.
This division of D.C. has had far-reaching consequences, particularly for the residents of Arlington and Alexandria. While they may physically be a part of the capital, they are politically and economically tied to Virginia. This has led to an imbalance in representation and resources for the residents of these two cities.
With the Make DC Square Again Act, Rep. McCormick is seeking to right this long-standing wrong. By bringing Arlington and Alexandria back into the fold, they will once again be a part of the federal district and have a say in federal government affairs. This will ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are met.
But the benefits of this bill extend beyond representation. By making Arlington and Alexandria a part of Washington, D.C., they will also have access to the same resources and opportunities as their neighboring districts. This will promote economic growth and development, benefiting both the residents of these cities and the capital as a whole.
Not only that, but this bill will also help to alleviate the artificial advantage that Virginia Democrats have gained in recent years. With the division of D.C., they have been able to influence the outcomes of federal elections by manipulating the vote in these two cities. By making them a part of the federal district, this advantage will be eliminated and the playing field will be leveled.
Rep. McCormick’s bill has already gained support from several prominent politicians, including Republican Senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul. They have recognized the importance of this legislation in restoring fairness and equality to the residents of Arlington and Alexandria, as well as the District of Columbia as a whole.
While some may argue that this bill goes against the historical significance of retrocession, it must be remembered that this decision was made over 170 years ago. Times have changed and it is time to rectify the imbalance that was created back then. The Make DC Square Again Act is not about erasing history, but about making things right for the present and future generations.
In conclusion, Rep. Rich McCormick’s Make DC Square Again Act is a much-needed and long-overdue step towards achieving equality and fairness for the residents of Arlington and Alexandria. It is a move that will bring these two cities back into the heart of the nation’s capital and allow them to fully participate in the democratic process. Let us support this bill and make D.C. square again.
