Payam Javan: On May 15, the House of Representatives passed the D.C. Criminal Reforms to Immediately Make Everyone Safe (D.C. CRIMES) Act of 2024, a bill preventing the District of Columbia from modifying penalties for criminal offenses. The bill passed with a 225–۱۸۱ vote, supported by all Republicans and 18 Democrats.

Despite opposition from the D.C. government and the White House, who argue it infringes on the district’s autonomy, Congress maintains jurisdiction over D.C. and can block its legislation within 60 days. Both claim the bill would hinder D.C. from enacting stricter crime penalties.

The legislation, introduced by Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), includes provisions to limit youth offender status to those 18 or younger and mandates public reporting of juvenile crime statistics.

The Biden administration criticized the bill, stating it undermines D.C.’s self-governance and impedes crime reduction efforts, and reiterated the call for D.C. statehood. D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and Attorney General Brian Schwalb, echoed these concerns, stating it would prevent addressing crime trends effectively.

Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.’s delegate, condemned the measure as “radical” and “paternalistic,” asserting it would obstruct crime deterrence and punishment efforts.

The vote follows a 16% decrease in overall crime in D.C. this year, including significant drops in violent crime, homicides, and motor vehicle thefts, although non-auto thefts have slightly increased.

The bill comes after the D.C. Council passed the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act of 2024 in March, enhancing penalties for various offenses and establishing new crime categories, reflecting ongoing efforts to tackle crime in the district.