The current bill would permanently increase the House membership to 437 and give a fourth, specifically drawn seat to Utah. But that bill is expected to be changed to make the additional Utah seat at-large.

Aides familiar with the discussions noted that the likely change would be based on the fact that the current three Utah members have just had elections and would not want to run again in newly redrawn districts if the bill were to become law.

“We in the District embrace this milestone in the journey of our citizens for two centuries to obtain the most basic of American citizenship rights — the cherished right to be represented in the People’s House,” said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C.

She said both committees with jurisdiction — Judiciary, and Oversight and Government Reform — would take up the bill next week.

Ilir Zherka, executive director of the voting rights advocacy organization DC Vote , noted that another possible change refers to the elimination of the delegate and statehood representative positions.

Conservatives, such as Patrick T. McHenry, R-N.C., say the bill is unconstitutional. “The Constitution clearly provides how congressmen and senators are allocated to states,” he said. “The federal city is not a state.”

They also cite a recent Congressional Research Service report noting that “it would appear likely that Congress does not have the authority to grant voting representation in the House to the [District] Delegate” under the current legislation.

But Zherka said, “Ultimately, the courts will decide the issue.”