GOP Senators Block D.C.’s Anti-Police Law.

Republican Senator J.D. Vance Introduces Legislation to Keep D.C. Safe

Congress Must Act to Keep Our Nation’s Capital Safe, Says Vance

Ohio Senator J.D. Vance is taking action to keep Washington, D.C. safe by introducing legislation to block a law that restricts law enforcement’s ability to respond to riots and violent protests. The Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, passed by the D.C. city council last year, limits law enforcement’s ability to search suspected criminals and makes it easier to log anonymous complaints against officers. Vance’s joint disapproval resolution seeks to stop the law and only requires a simple majority in the Senate to pass.

Vance’s bill follows other Republican measures to unwind criminal justice legislation passed by the D.C. City Council as the nation’s capital sees a decades-high spike in murder and other crime. President Joe Biden has vowed to veto any bills resembling Vance’s, which suggests a future showdown with the White House.

Republican Offensive Against Left-Wing Criminal Justice Reform

Vance’s legislation is the latest example of the Republican offensive against left-wing criminal justice reform. The bill has three Republican cosponsors: Sens. Ted Budd (N.C.), Rick Scott (Fla.), and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.). The House of Representatives passed a similar bill to Vance’s in April, with the support of all Congressional Republicans and 14 Democrats. Two Republican Senate offices said they are optimistic his bill will receive the support of some Democratic offices, particularly those who face competitive reelection fights in 2024.

What the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act Does

• Sharpens restrictions on law enforcement’s ability to respond to riots or violent protests
• Limits law enforcement’s ability to search suspected criminals
• Makes it easier to log anonymous complaints against officers
• Gives city officials power to release body-camera footage and the names of any officers involved in a “serious use of force”

“It’s a disgrace that the capital of the most powerful nation on earth has become so dangerous, but this sad reality is exactly what we should expect when far-left activists are calling the shots,” Vance said. Congress must exert our constitutional authority to keep our nation’s capital safe.