US House To Vote In April On DC Statehood, Gender Gap Pay

Congressional leaders in the House have revealed their plans for this month, prioritizing statehood for Washington, D.C., and the gender pay gap. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., says D.C. statehood would be near the top of April’s legislative goals, The Hill noted.

Hoyer’s report outlines a wide range of topics. First up will be two bills protecting workers by preventing employers from asking about potential hiree’s salaries or retaliating against employees who compare their incomes.

The week after, D.C. statehood would be the priority.

He also indicated some interest in addressing hate crimes against Asian-Americans, which have been on the rise as Republicans point the finger at China for the coronavirus pandemic. A bill currently under consideration would create a position to review COVID-related hate crimes at the Justice Department.

“It is clear that the House will have to take further action in the coming weeks," Hoyer wrote.

Hoyer’s Tuesday announcement also said that floor votes would be capped at half an hour, 15 minutes less than before. A 30-minute limit would be more in line with House procedures before the COVID-19 pandemic, which Hoyer said was his motive for the change.

"With many members and a growing number of staff and Capitol workers now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and with safety measures like mandatory mask-wearing and proxy voting remaining in place, we can begin a graduated return to normal voting procedures," Hoyer wrote.

The Capitol physician's office told The Hill that around 75% of House members had received a COVID-19 vaccine.