WASHINGTON (AP) - District of Columbia leaders are planning to announce a new push to make the nation's capital a state.

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The new initiative involves asking state and local legislatures around the country to pass ceremonial resolutions supporting district statehood.

A similar resolution was introduced in the New Hampshire legislature this year after a push from D.C. Councilmember David Catania. Statehood supporters say it's important to build a coalition of support around the country.

In 1978, Congress approved a Constitutional amendment that would have given the district full representation in the House and Senate. It was ratified by 16 states, far short of the 38 states it needed to be adopted.

Mayor Vincent Gray and Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton are scheduled to attend Tuesday's news conference announcing the initiative.