WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) voted to pass four bills aiming to restore safety to Washington, D.C. after years of historic high crime rates.
The first bill, the DC CRIMES Act, corrects Washington, D.C.’s sentencing guidelines for youth offenders. Currently, D.C. code treats any offender under the age of 25 as a “youth.” This bill lowers the threshold to the age of 18.
The second bill, the District of Columbia Policing Protection Act, gives law enforcement in Washington, D.C. greater latitude to pursue criminal suspects fleeing in a vehicle if the officer deems it necessary.
The third bill, the District of Columbia Judicial Nominations Reform Act, makes nominations for D.C. Courts an action of the U.S. President, which aligns it with the U.S. Constitution and other federal judicial nomination processes.
The fourth bill, the D.C. Juvenile Sentencing Reform Act, would lower the age of eligibility for juveniles to be tried as adults in D.C. for certain violent offenses, including murder, first-degree sexual abuse, first-degree burglary, and robbery while armed.
“Our nation’s capital city must be a beacon of hope and safety for all Americans and the world to emulate, not a hive of violent crime that goes unchecked. Just a few years ago in broad daylight, three of my team members were assaulted at knifepoint just steps from the Capitol,” Rep. Carey said. “Our votes this week build on President Trump’s leadership to lower crime in our capital and ensure criminals are held accountable. I was proud to pass these bills that prioritize safety for residents of Washington D.C., citizens of America, and guests from around the world.”
BACKGROUND:
Since President Trump deployed federal law enforcement resources to Washington, D.C., annual crime rates have fallen. During the 30-day crackdown, over 2,100 arrests were made, over 200 illegal guns were seized, and several missing children were rescued.
Year-to-date crime rates following President Trump’s efforts in Washington, D.C. have seen the following results:
- Homicides are down 18 percent.
- Assault with a dangerous weapon is down 16 percent.
- Robbery is down 32 percent.
- Total violent crime is down 27 percent.
- Burglary is down 24 percent.
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