Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Andrew Clyde (GA-09) and 19 original co-sponsors introduced a resolution of disapproval to block the D.C. Council's dangerous Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 (RCCA). Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) plans to introduce the companion resolution of disapproval in the Senate.  

 

The RCCA would reduce maximum penalties for certain violent criminal offenses, including carjackings, robberies, and even homicides. On January 4th, Washington’s Democrat Mayor, Muriel Bowser, vetoed the legislation — arguing in a letter to Council Chairman Phil Mendelson that the bill “does not make us safer.” The D.C. Council ultimately ignored the Mayor’s concerns, voting 12-1 to override her veto on January 17th. 

 

“The D.C. Council’s radical rewrite of the criminal code threatens the well-being of both Washingtonians and visitors — making our nation’s capital city a safe haven for violent criminals,” said Rep. Clyde. “In response to this dangerous and severely misguided measure, it’s now up to Congress to save our nation’s capital from itself. Our Constitution grants Congress the responsibility and authority to manage Washington’s affairs, which is why we must swiftly pass a resolution of disapproval to stop this insanity in its tracks. I urge Republicans and Democrats in both chambers to join our fight to make Washington safe for all Americans by blocking the D.C. Council’s soft-on-crime bill.” 

 

“The American public has had enough of the crime wave that’s rolling across our country, including in our nation’s capital,” said Sen. Hagerty. “Congress is tasked with overseeing Washington, D.C. — a federal district where people should be safe to live and work. The District should set a nationwide example by enacting legislation that makes its residents and visitors safer — not less safe. Our resolution makes clear that Congress intends to hold D.C. to this standard.” 

 

In December of last year, K. Denise Krepp, a former locally elected D.C. official, urged Congress to introduce a joint resolution of disapproval to block the RCCA. Read her letter to lawmakers HERE.

 

“Last year, the D.C. Council wrote a law that enables the early release of convicted rapists from prison. I asked Congress to disapprove the bill because rape is an irreversible crime. Victims don't get to rewind the clock and they live with the pain every day. I thank Congress for introducing the disapproval resolution and I respectfully ask that all members support it. Rape isn't a partisan issue. It's an act of violence and convicted rapists should be required to serve their full prison sentences.” — said K. Denise Rucker Krepp, former ANC6B10 Commissioner and Obama Administration political appointee.

 

Read the Daily Caller’s exclusive on the legislation HERE. 

 

Full bill text is available HERE.

 

Original co-sponsors include Representatives Rick Allen (GA-12), Brian Babin (TX-36), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Ben Cline (VA-06), James Comer (KY-01), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Scott Franklin (FL-15), Mike Garcia (CA-27), Bob Good (VA-05), Mark Green (TN-07), Mike Johnson (LA-04), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Gary Palmer (AL-06), August Pfluger (TX-11), Austin Scott (GA-08), Keith Self (TX-03), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Ryan Zinke (MT-01).