Crime

US Senate Blocks Overhaul of DC Criminal Code

MAR 9 2023·Updated MAR 10 2023

Story

Image credit: nbc

The Facts

On Wednesday, the US Senate, with many Democrats joining the minority Republicans, voted 81-14 to approve a GOP-backed measure that blocks Washington, DC, from revamping its criminal code.
USA Today
Pres. Joe Biden, who recently said he supported the resolution — which passed the Republican-led House in February — is expected to sign it.
USA Today
Congress — which can invalidate proposed DC legislation under federal law — seeks to overturn the DC Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, which would've reduced maximum sentences for several offenses and ended many mandatory minimum sentences.
CBS News
DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson asked for the resolution to be removed from congressional consideration after Biden’s surprise endorsement, however, Senate leadership aides overruled him.
NBC
When DC's changes were first brought forward in 2022, homicides in the district had decreased by 10% after having increased for four consecutive years. The district’s police union opposed the measure because of concerns it could lead to an increase in violent crime.
Independent

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

Homicides are on the rise again in DC, and the best way to stop the surge is by putting violent people in jail and keeping them there. The biggest obstacles to keeping the streets safe are repeat offenders — a reality that Biden has rightly recognized by showing his support for this resolution.

One America

Narrative B

With the start of his re-election campaign imminent, Biden has disappointingly folded to GOP pressure in order to appease the opposition. The DC bill isn’t soft on crime – which isn’t even a hot-button issue according to recent polling — it's more focused on reducing unnecessary incarceration. But Biden has reverted to his old “tough on crime” self, dismissing DC's sovereignty in the process.