Threat From Senate Forces D.C. Council To Withdraw Bill Easing Criminal Penalties

Supporters of the bill on the council blamed its demise on politics rather than substance.

AP/J. Scott Applewhite, file
Washington Metropolitan Police investigate near the Supreme Court and the Capitol. AP/J. Scott Applewhite, file

The Washington, D.C., city council on Monday withdrew a criminal justice bill that would have reduced the penalties for many violent crimes after the Senate appeared poised to strike it down with the unexpected blessing of President Biden.

“I don’t know if that’ll stop the Senate Republicans, but our position is the bill is not before Congress any longer,” the D.C. council chairman, Phil Mendelson, said at a press conference Monday.

Enter your email to read this article.

Get 2 free articles when you subscribe.

or
Have an account? This is also a sign-in form.
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Advertisement
The New York Sun

© 2025 The New York Sun Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The material on this site is protected by copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used.

The New York Sun

Sign in or  Create a free account

or
By continuing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use