House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer Steny Hamilton HoyerOVERNIGHT ENERGY: California seeks to sell only electric cars by 2035 | EPA threatens to close New York City office after Trump threats to 'anarchist' cities | House energy package sparks criticism from left and right House energy package sparks criticism from left and right Hoyer: House should vote on COVID-19 aid — with or without a bipartisan deal MORE (D-Md.) on Thursday endorsed statehood for Washington, D.C.

"More than 700,000 Americans remain unable to cast votes for an equal voice in Congress," Hoyer wrote in an op-ed published in The Washington Post.

"Defending the new Constitution, James Madison assured his fellow Americans that residents of this new capital district would happily live there 'as they will have had their voice in the election of the government which is to exercise authority over them.' For 228 years, our government has denied them that voice."

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"I have been hesitant in past years to call for statehood for the District because I believed that we could achieve voting rights for its residents without having to take the politically difficult steps statehood would entail," Hoyer explained.

"I now believe the only path to ensuring its representation is through statehood. Legislation granting representation in the House could be revoked in the future; statehood would bring D.C. residents a permanent voice in our elected institutions."

D.C. statehood has routinely been opposed by Republicans, largely because of the high percentage of registered Democrats in the city.

Hoyer announced Thursday that he will co-sponsor a bill from Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton Eleanor Holmes NortonShakespeare Theatre Company goes virtual for 'Will on the Hill...or Won't They?' DeJoy defends Postal Service changes at combative House hearing DC delegate highlights effects of Postal Service quagmire on community MORE (D-D.C.) to make the nation's capital the 51st state.

Norton has introduced statehood bills several times, though this year's legislation has gained more support than those in years past.

Her measure had 151 co-sponsors when put forward in January, a record high for the legislation.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand Kirsten GillibrandSunday shows preview: Justice Ginsburg dies, sparking partisan battle over vacancy before election Suburban moms are going to decide the 2020 election Jon Stewart urges Congress to help veterans exposed to burn pits MORE (D-N.Y.) also recently came out in support of statehood.