Norton wants to raise the profile of DC mayors to equal governors with half-staff honor

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) introduced a bill that will honor the death of a Washington, D.C., mayor similar to how state governors are honored when they die: with the president ordering flags to be at half-staff.

The move is expected to be "part of a series of bills to ensure equal treatment for the nearly 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia" and will bring the Washington, D.C., mayorship closer to state governors while the office already has similar executive powers.

“Even though the District is not yet the 51st state it strives to be, we should treat a deceased D.C. mayor the same respect as comparable figures of states, territories, or possessions, which are named in the statute,” Norton said.

“I can only assume that the omission of the District of Columbia was an oversight and not meant to disrespect a deceased D.C. mayor or the residents of the District of Columbia. Adding D.C.’s mayor to the list of officials who can be honored with flags flown at half-staff is a small but, to D.C. residents, significant way to ensure residents receive the equal treatment they deserve.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to the mayor's office but did not receive a response.

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The 116th Congress's House Judiciary Committee previously passed the bill.

Some joked that Mayor Muriel Bowser should be cautious of Norton after the bill's proposal. One X user replied to Norton, saying, "Sounds like you’re planning on getting rid of the mayor."