US Senate Blocks Overhaul of DC Criminal Code

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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.

  • Pres. Joe Biden, who recently said he supported the resolution — which passed the Republican-led House in February — is expected to sign it.


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.

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.


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