This essay, originally published on the author’s blog titled “Res ipsa loquitur – The thing itself speaks,” discusses Del. Stacey Plaskett’s recent statements in the House chamber regarding voting rights. Plaskett interrupted the election of the House speaker to demand voting rights for herself and other non-state representatives. The essay argues that the issue lies not with the House, but with Plaskett and others who are pushing for a violation of Article I of the Constitution. Plaskett, despite being a lawyer, has shown disregard for constitutional principles in the past, such as claiming that hate speech is not constitutionally protected. The essay also criticizes Plaskett for ignoring evidence of a censorship system and for suggesting a journalist’s possible arrest. The essay highlights Plaskett’s recent demand for recognition to vote in the House, despite Article I explicitly limiting voting rights to elected representatives of the states. Plaskett’s microphone was cut off during her statement, leading to a standing ovation from Democrats.
A high percentage of veterans reside in this region, despite its relatively small population of only 104,000. While it is a cherished part of our country, it is not officially recognized as a state. Delegate Plaskett pushed for a floor vote for herself and other delegates from American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Currently, these delegates can only vote in committees, as they are not involved in final legislative decisions. The proposed change by Democrats to allow these delegates to vote on the House floor would challenge long-standing rules governing the body. This change would effectively remove references to “states” from Article I, Section 2 without a constitutional amendment. Delegate Plaskett’s advocacy for expanded voting rights highlights a broader issue beyond the Speaker selection process. Democrats argue that delegates should have full voting rights, starting with the D.C. delegate. Constitutional concerns have been raised on this matter, stressing the exclusive voting rights of states in the House of Representatives. The unique constitutional status of these districts and territories must be considered, as the Constitution explicitly limits voting rights to states. The Virgin Islands, for example, is not a colony and has the opportunity to pursue independence or statehood through the democratic process. The proposal to grant Plaskett and other delegates voting rights on the House floor could set a precedent for including non-state representatives and potentially altering the balance of power in Congress. The push for new voting members reflects broader discussions on representation and constitutional governance.
Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, along with other supporters, has been advocating for court packing by adding a majority of liberal justices to the Supreme Court in order to advance their political agenda. Despite facing opposition from the public on this issue, the Democrats have remained steadfast in their pursuit.
Similarly, when unable to garner enough support for Washington D.C. statehood from the majority of citizens, the Democrats previously attempted to establish a voting member for the district without resorting to a constitutional amendment or altering its status. This week, they aimed to extend this approach not only to Washington D.C. but also to other non-state territories such as the Northern Mariana Islands, a commonwealth with a small population of less than 50,000 spread across a mere 180 miles.
The United States boasts the world’s oldest and most resilient constitutional system precisely because it has refrained from implementing impromptu or temporary measures to achieve political objectives. The Constitution stands as a unifying cornerstone that transcends our transient divisions and disagreements. Calls for substantial constitutional amendments are indicative of a lack of faith in this enduring document.
To draw on a line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, the responsibility for any shortcomings does not rest with the states but with ourselves.
