Is it a simple majority or 2/3rds like amending the Constitution? Or is that detail a procedural issue like the filibuster?
I’m not sure.
Simple majority.
https://www.thoughtco.com/us-statehood-process-3322311
The Typical Process
Historically, Congress has applied the following general procedure when granting territories statehood:
- The territory holds a referendum vote to determine the people’s desire for or against statehood.
- Should a majority vote to seek statehood, the territory petitions the U.S. Congress for statehood.
- The territory, if it has not already done so, is required to adopt a form of government and constitution that are in compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
- The U.S. Congress—both House and Senate—pass, by a simple majority vote, a joint resolution accepting the territory as a state.
- The President of the United States signs the joint resolution and the territory is acknowledged as a U.S. state.
The process of attaining statehood can literally take decades.