Despite being an avid supporter of DC statehood, Biden said he'd sign a law overriding a new DC crime bill passed unanimously by the City Council. When reporters questioned PressSec about the apparent contradiction, she said, 'This is different.'
Biden, while stressing that he still supports D.C. statehood, nonetheless promised he'd sign a law overriding a crime bill passed unanimously by the City Council if it reaches his desk. I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule – but I don’t support some of the changes D.
C. Council put forward over the Mayor’s objections – such as lowering penalties for carjackings.— President Biden March 2, 2023 Reporters questioned press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on the apparent contradiction — if D.C. should be a state, why does the president think he has the authority to override its City Council? “This is different,” Jean-Pierre said. “The D.C. council put changes forward over the mayor’s objections, and the president doesn’t support changes like lowering penalties for carjackings. ... But again, it doesn't change the administration strongly supporting HR 51, which would have made D.C. the 51st state." Biden's decision not to veto the legislation deals a major blow to local lawmakers in Washington, D.C., who urged congressional Democrats and Biden to vote against the measure in order to preserve the city's autonomy. Biden told Senate Democrats of his decision during the party's weekly luncheon as the upper chamber prepares to vote on the measure as soon as next week. The news came as a surprise to some district lawmakers because Biden had previously expressed opposition to the Republican measure to override the city's criminal code.It seemed to surprise the White House press corps as well. "The president belies that every city should have the right to self-government, except if he disagrees with the outcomes of their governing process?" one reporter asked."One thing that the president believes in is making sure that the streets in America, in communities across the country, are safe," Jean-Pierre responded."That includes D.C." The Senate GOP is hoping to force a vote next week on the updated code, which softens the punishment for homicide, robberies, and carjackings, opening Democrats up to attacks of being soft on crime should they choose to oppose the GOP's repeal.
Please follow us on Google to support usUnited 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.
Kate Bedingfield, Biden’s Translator, Leaves the White HouseShe explains the press to the president, preaches Twitter-is-not-real-life, and keeps the West Wing from leaking.
Read more »
Sen. Ted Cruz calls Biden FAA nominee unqualified, says White House 'playing politics' with safetySen. Ted Cruz on Wednesday said President Joe Biden's nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, Phil Washington, is not qualified for the job.
Read more »
White House confirms Biden will veto GOP-backed anti-ESG billWhite House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed Wednesday that President Joe Biden will veto the Republican-backed bill rolling back a Labor Department investing rule if it makes it to his desk.
Read more »
White House Livid Over Republican’s Attack on Biden’s Dead Son“It’s completely inappropriate. It’s ugly,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said of Rep. James Comer’s comments about President Joe Biden’s deceased son Beau Biden.
Read more »
Profile in courage: Fearless Biden not 'afraid of anything,' White House says'There is nothing that this president fears,' PressSec said of 80-year-old Biden. She cited his recent visit to the warzone in Kyiv, his order to shoot down the Chinese spy balloon, and his bravery when it comes to taking on China.
Read more »
White House Slams Republican’s ‘Incredibly Ugly’ Remark About Biden’s Late SonRep. James Comer (R-Ky.) suggested that President Joe Biden’s son Beau, who died of cancer, should have been indicted when he was alive.
Read more »