U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten (D) backed a controversial Washington, D.C. city bill intended to ease penalties for violent crimes.
The bill, which the city has now rescinded given President Joe Biden’s indication he would block it, also faced an uncertain fate in the U.S. Senate.
Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial
“At issue are components of the new criminal code that would reduce maximum criminal penalties for violent crimes like carjackings,” NPR reported, which led to the majority Republicans in the House to seek to block its implementation.
Scholten, a freshman from Grand Rapids, effectively embraced easing the penalties when she voted “No” to overrule the city council’s action. 31 Democrats sided with Republicans on the vote that passed 250-173.
“House Democrats were infuriated and taken aback by President Biden’s announcement on Thursday that he will sign a resolution to nix the District of Columbia’s crime bill,” according to The Hill.
“The crime bill passed the D.C. City Council unanimously in January. After Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) vetoed it, the city council overrode it 12-1,” the outlet said.
Go Ad-Free, Get Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial
Scholten did not explain her vote on social media.
Join the Discussion
COMMENTS POLICY: We have no tolerance for messages of violence, racism, vulgarity, obscenity or other such discourteous behavior. Thank you for contributing to a respectful and useful online dialogue.