Council Chairman Mendelson “Blasts Congressional Republicans Over Interference in DC Laws”

photo by Ted Eytan

From the office of Council Chairman Phil Mendelson:

“DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson released the following statement in response to House Republicans’ disapproval resolutions for two District laws:

“It is deplorable that Republicans in Congress are attempting to substitute their judgement and completely disregard the government of the District of Columbia by attempting to overturn our laws,” Mendelson said. “Congress delegated home rule to us 50 years ago and have had no hand in our public safety and should not now seek to interfere piecemeal. Keep your hands off our Home Rule.

“The Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA) does not limit or in any way affect the authority of the police to investigate crimes and make arrests. This is a false narrative championed by opponents. The RCCA simply updates our criminal code from 1901 to modern day. The sentences judges are currently handing down to offenders are actually less than the maximums in the RCCA. 

“With regard to the ‘Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022’ – the District values our diversity. We welcome everyone. Indeed, every resident should be able to participate in our democracy. It’s unfortunate that Congressional Republicans do not value an inclusive democracy in the same way the District does.

“Whether Congressional Republicans agree or disagree with laws that have gone through the proper local legislative process, they have not been elected by residents of the District of Columbia. They should not interfere with Home Rule. Let us continue to govern ourselves, as we’ve done – very well, I might add — for the last 50 years.

“Congressional leadership should instead focus on giving District residents the same rights and responsibilities as the citizens of the 50 states.”