(NewsHill.org)- According to a report, a CNN commentator suggested President Biden and his democrats were “running scared” of crime by supporting legislation that would roll back reforms to the criminal code in Washington, D.C.
In an interview with CNN, Democrat strategist Maria Cardona stated that as a resident of the nation’s capital, she was appalled by the current events in Congress. She prayed that Democrats could have the courage to reject the resolution that opposes home rule and also undermines the legitimacy of the votes and the voices of the District’s residents.
Cardona said it also shows that Democrats are “running scared” to take a stand on crime, which puts us in a precarious position from which to counter Republican talking points.
Biden said he wouldn’t veto a bill that would have nullified a change to the District of Columbia’s criminal law. The DC council overrode the mayor’s veto in 2022, and the bill’s lessened punishments for certain offenses, including carjacking, became law.
According to The Constitution, Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the authority to make laws affecting the District of Columbia. DC has had home rule since 1973, thanks to legislation approved by Congress, but the federal government still has the authority to nullify local ordinances.
In February, 219 Republicans and 31 Democrats, including Congresswoman Angie Craig, who was attacked in her apartment elevator earlier that day, voted to override a veto by the president.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, confirmed Biden’s decision to sign the legislation due to his concern for the safety of the American people.
Because of concerns from D.C. citizens and partners in the public safety and criminal justice sector, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington, D.C., vetoed the measure on January 4th, to prevent it from becoming law, but the council voted 12-1 to overturn Bowser’s veto.
