Senate Passes Resolution To Overturn Controversial DC Crime Bill

On March 8, the U.S. Senate approved a House bill which would repeal a local ordinance that reduced penalties for crimes within its federal district.

The chamber passed the measure in an 81–14 vote.

It would prevent the resolution. Revised Criminal Code Act (RCC)A law that the D.C. Council passed to reduce penalties for certain violent crimes like carjackings or home burglaries. The reform was introduced as the district is experiencing a record-breaking crime wave.

That law was initially vetoed by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, but the Council later overruled Bowser’s veto in a 12–1 vote.

The D.C. Council member that introduced the amended criminal code stated earlier this week that he would withdraw it amid mounting congressional opposition and President Joe Biden’s assurances that he won’t veto any resolution from Congress if it goes to his desk.

Voting 260 to 173 in favor of the House was carried out on Feb. 9. approve a measure that would strike down the law. This bill was approved by the support of 31 Democrats.

Metropolitan Police Department implemented the district’s crime reduction measure reported There has been a significant increase in violent crime. According to that data, homicides are up by 33 percent over the same time last year, sex abuse is up by 120 percent, and motor vehicle thefts are up by 108 percent.

‘A Danger and an Embarrassment’: McConnell

Republicans believe that D.C. Council’s bill will only increase crime.

Senator Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Republican from Kentucky) spoke against the bill during remarks on the Senate Floor. He highlighted recent crimes in Washington.

“Carjackings and cartels have become a daily routine; homicides are racking up at a rate of four—four!—per week.”

McConnell also referenced reports that attacks on Washington public transport have become so widespread that volunteers from the civilian sector created their own stations and patrols on Metro trains.

“We’re the greatest superpower in history,” McConnell said. “This is our capital city. But local politicians have let its streets become a danger and an embarrassment.”

McConnell pointed out that D.C. was not the only American major city experiencing a record breaking crime rise: vandalism and assault are all on the increase in American cities, including San Francisco, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Grand Theft Auto, Murder, and Other Violent Crimes.

McConnell believes that this is due to the long-running left-leaning campaign of antipolice rhetoric.

“This is what happens when Democrats at all levels decide we need fewer arrests, shorter sentences, and more generosity to criminals at the expense of less justice for victims and for families,” McConnell said.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W. Va. stated on the Senate floor the negative effects of loose criminal policies aren’t limited to victims of these crimes. Studies have shown that students who live in areas with high crime rates may not receive the same education as those living near them. They can also experience negative health effects, such as weight gain and elevated blood pressure.

Democratic Opposition

Democrats from both the House of Representatives and Senate argued that the Congressional attempt to repeal the crime bill was colonialism.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C. “profoundly undemocratic” In a February 9 speech, he criticised the law.

Norton in the past has proposed legislation to give D.C. statehood. Democrats have supported making the federal district co-equal, which would undoubtedly increase Democrats’ control over the House and Senate by one seat. The federal district consistently votes for Democrats at a higher rate than 90 percent.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D.Pa.), called the bills a challenge for D.C. “to political self-determination” During House debates about the legislation.

“If my Republican colleagues insist on acting like a colonial overseer of the District of Columbia, the least they could do is hear from the people of D.C.,” Scanlon stated.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.In a speech delivered on March 8, before the vote, Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) echoed these sentiments in explaining why he opposed the resolution.

“I support self-determination,” Van Hollen said. “I support self-governance. I support full democracy for the nearly 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia. Citizens who pay more federal taxes collectively than the people in 21 states; citizens who served their country in the armed forces.”