President Richard Nixon had repeatedly expressed his support for full voting representation for the District of Columbia.

Concerns that the Senate would stall such a proposal spurred the consideration of a compromise bill introduced by Rep. Ancher Nelsen (R–MN), who at the time served as ranking member of the House Committee on the District of Columbia.

Ford and House Majority Leader Carl Albert both crafted messages to their respective caucuses in response, encouraging their members to support the measure.

The second came from Rep. Michael J. Harrington (D–MA), who noted the lack of attention shown by the Congress to Washington: "I have visited those parts of the city which the tourist never sees, and I am shaken.

The complexities of city government, the day-to-day decisions should not be placed in the hands of 535 different people — all of whom have to pass on matters about which they have little concern and about which they lack the time to be informed.

"[4]Opposition to the legislation was largely spearheaded by Rep. John L. McMillan (D–SC), the segregationist chairman of the House Committee on the District of Columbia.

As chairman, McMillan repeatedly opposed home rule and greater rights for residents of D.C., largely because of its sizable Black population.

The District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment passed both chambers of Congress, but it failed to receive the necessary number of state ratifications by its 1985 deadline.

Reflecting increased political polarization, efforts to secure D.C. further voting rights since have largely failed along party lines.