House Republicans are reportedly planning to introduce a bill seeking to block the D.C. Council’s recent overhaul of the city’s criminal code, arguing that several of the provisions amount to “insanity.”
Rep. Andrew Clyde is leading efforts among House GOP members to block the bill’s enactment, criticizing the code reforms that include reducing penalties for some violent crimes, a spokesperson for Clyde confirmed to the Washington Examiner. Sen. Bill Hagerty is reportedly planning to introduce an identical version in the Senate.The legislation marks Clyde’s latest efforts to limit the D.C.
The D.C. Council overwhelmingly approved a bill last year that would implement a massive overhaul of the city’s criminal code, completing a project district lawmakers have been working on for 16 years. The law is not set to take place for three years, giving law enforcement and court officials time to prepare.
The rewritten legislation sought to clarify and redefine penalties for criminal offenses, with several lawmakers arguing severe punishments often do not deter crime. Part of the rewrite included provisions that would eliminate most mandatory minimum sentences, establish jury trials for nearly all misdemeanor cases, and reduce the maximum penalties for crimes such as carjackings or robberies.
Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the legislation in early January, arguing some of the provisions send “the wrong message” and weaken penalties at a time when the city is grappling with rising crime rates. City council members voted to override Bowser’s veto on Jan. 17, arguing the legislation was needed to replace the outdated criminal code.
Although Clyde has support among House Republicans to overturn the revised criminal code, it’s unlikely his bill would make it through the Democratic-controlled Senate. In order to reverse a D.C. law, a resolution must pass through both chambers of Congress and be signed by the president.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
House Republicans in swing districts face 'political dangers' as hard-liners flex powerSwing-district Republicans will have to balance the wishes of conservative voters to guard against right-wing primary challenges while working with a Dem-led Senate and President Biden on matters like government funding and averting a major debt default.
Read more »
Speaker McCarthy adds hard-right Republicans to House Rules CommitteeThe House’s powerful Rules Committee has moved to the right. The committee will be chaired by Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), who said Monday night on social media that he was delighted to “welcome a diverse slate” of Republican lawmakers to the committee.
Read more »
Did US House Republicans End a Capitol Hill Smoking Ban?Under former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's leadership, the House banned smoking in most areas of the Capitol in 2007.
Read more »
On the border crisis, House Judiciary Republicans will hold Biden’s feet to the fireThe House Judiciary Committee will be the vanguard for holding this White House and the federal administrative state accountable, and we are starting with President Joe Biden’s border crisis.
Read more »
Are House Republicans Actually Trying to Abolish the IRS?Notable Dem. leaders have issued statements condemning House GOP for the 'Fair Tax Act,' but is the bill even popular among Republicans? See perspectives and analysis across the spectrum from thehill, GroverNorquist, and stevebenen:
Read more »