District of Columbia Council Chairman Withdraws Legislation Revamping Criminal Laws from Senate Vote

The District of Columbia Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced Monday that he has withdrawn the legislation revamping the district’s criminal laws from the Senate. In a letter sent to the Senate, Mendelson noted that the Home Rule Act, which governs D.C., requires that local legislation be “transmitted to both houses.”

The Senate is expected to move forward with a vote this week on a measure expressing disapproval of the plan to overhaul the District of Columbia’s criminal code, despite Mendelson’s withdrawal of the bill. The move comes as the Senate is debating a Republican-backed bill that would undo the changes to the city’s criminal code.

Mendelson said in a press conference Monday that his withdrawal means that the crime bill is “no longer properly before the Congress.” He added that local officials will now be able to “work on the measure in light of congressional comments.”

The proposed changes to the city’s criminal code have been controversial, with opponents arguing that they would weaken public safety and lead to an increase in crime. Supporters of the bill, however, say that the changes are necessary to reform the criminal justice system and reduce mass incarceration.

The Senate is expected to vote on the Republican-backed bill this week, but it is unclear if the bill will pass. The outcome of the vote will determine the future of the proposed changes to the city’s criminal code.