Four People Arrested at DC Vote Rally On Capitol Hill

For more information contact: James Jones, Communications Director
202.462.6000 x12 office / 202.557.4864 mobile / jjones@dcvote.org

December 16, 2011

Four people protesting the continuing assault on DC Home Rule by Congress engaged in civil disobedience today at a Capitol Hill rally of 75 people organized by DC Vote. One of the arrestees, Adrian Parsons, is currently on day 9 of a hunger strike for DC democracy. Those arrested were protesting language inserted by Congress in the District of Columbia FY2012 spending bill that bars the District from spending its own tax dollars to fund abortions for poor women.

The protesters gathered outside of the Longworth House Office Building and called on members of Congress to vote "no" on the spending bill now pending before the House.

"We urged members to vote 'no' on the Omnibus bill to stand in solidarity with the District of Columbia," said Ilir Zherka, Executive Director of DC Vote. "The escalating protests, including a hunger strike, is a clear sign that DC residents are sick and tired of being used as a bargaining chip. Congress should respect the wishes of Washingtonians and stop interfering in DC's local affairs."

The arrests are the latest development in the escalating fight for DC self-determination. In the spring, 72 people were arrested at several protests after DC's budget autonomy was traded away during budget deal making.

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