The bill, which is backed by the Biden administration, passed 216-208 along party lines after debate on the House floor.

Now the legislation will go to the U.S. Senate for consideration. If passed, it would go to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law, making the District of Columbia the 51st state of the United States.

Statehood for the District will provide the taxpayers of the District of Columbia with voting representation in the Congress and full control over local affairs.

The District of Columbia is currently a federal district under the direct jurisdiction of the United States Congress. (ILKHA)