Elijah Cummings: “This is an astounding milestone and one of which the Coast Guard and, indeed, the entire Nation are rightfully proud.”

That year, Bayou La Batre did elect its first Asian-American city council member.

The American people demanded that their representatives in Washington fight for them and for what affects their lives on a day-to-day basis.

And I don't give a damn how you look at it; there are efforts to stop people from voting. That is not right. This is not Russia. This is the United States of America.

I am extremely proud that our committee is holding the first hearing on D.C. Statehood in the House of Representatives in more than 25 years.