The Nation - News from Aug. 23, 1985

The District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment, aimed at granting the federal city full representation on Capitol Hill, died seven years after it was passed by Congress. Only 16 of the 38 states needed for ratification had approved the amendment to give the city two senators and at least one representative in the House. “Unfortunately, it’s dead,” Mayor Marion Barry said. “We are still enslaved.” Capital residents can vote in presidential elections and elect a mayor and City Council, but Congress must approve the city budget.