WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Reform Ranking Member James Comer (R-Ky.) released the following statement in response to Committee Democrats scheduling a legislative hearing on H.R. 51, an unconstitutional bill to grant statehood to the District of Columbia.

“D.C. statehood is all about Speaker Pelosi and liberal democrats consolidating their power to enact radical policies nationwide like the Green New Deal, packing the Supreme Court, and eliminating the filibuster. The Democrats’ bill is unconstitutional and no amount of testimony can change that basic fact. The bill does not address the financial burden that would fall on the District if statehood was granted or other practical implications. H.R. 51 doesn’t rest in sound policy and is a dangerous political power grab that will ensure more government intrusion into Americans’ daily lives.”