The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee is slated to hold a hearing next Monday to discuss statehood for the District of Columbia.

Committee Chairman Tom Carper Thomas (Tom) Richard CarperDemocrat asks for probe of EPA's use of politically appointed lawyers Overnight Energy: Study links coronavirus mortality to air pollution exposure | Low-income, minority households pay more for utilities: report OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Democrats push resolution to battle climate change, sluggish economy and racial injustice | Senators reach compromise on greenhouse gas amendment stalling energy bill | Trump courts Florida voters with offshore drilling moratorium MORE (D-Del.) will lead the hearing that had been promised for more than a year.

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It will be the first time in two decades that the Senate holds a hearing on statehood for the district, according to D.C. Delegate 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).

"The Carper statehood hearing, the President’s endorsement of statehood in July, and Majority Leader Harry Reid’s announcement of his cosponsorship show a troika of leadership that demonstrates the growing strength of equal citizenship for D.C. residents," she said in a statement.

During a town hall earlier this year, President Obama said "I'm in D.C., so I'm for it," when asked about statehood.

Last year, the White House began using the District’s “taxation without representation” license plates on the president’s motorcade.

The New Columbia Admission Act, introduced by Carper last year, would set up procedures for the district to hold elections for two senators and a House representative, among other steps to become a state.

Holmes Norton is currently a non-voting delegate.

The bill has attracted 16 Democratic cosponsors in the Senate, and 99 members have sponsored a similar House bill. The House failed to approve a statehood bill in 1993, the last time it was brought to the floor.