WASHINGTON, D.C., (May 16, 2024) – U.S. Congressman Tim Burchett (TN-02) voted in favor of H.R. 7530, the D.C. CRIMES Act, which would require the District of Columbia to change its definition of a juvenile from 25 to 18 years old.
“These kids who commit these offenses are usually young,” said Rep. Burchett while debating the bill on the House floor. "I believe the punishment should fit the crime and right now that's not the case in Washington, D.C. At some point we have to get back to the basics and that means taking responsibility for your actions."
The DC CRIMES Act forces Washington, D.C. to change its definition of juvenile back to kids under 18 years old. It also stops judges from sentencing youth offenders below the mandatory minimum requirements and prevents Washington from changing the current minimum sentencing laws.
BACKGROUND:
The Washington, D.C. City Council has implemented soft-on-crime policies and slashed law enforcement's budget within the District of Columbia. In 2022, the U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia, Matthew Graves, has declined to prosecute 67% of criminal cases in Fiscal Year 2022.
The vote passed 225-181.
Rep. Burchett’s debate remarks on the House floor in favor of H.R. 7109, the D.C. CRIMES Act can be found here.
The full text of H.R. 7109 can be found here.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://burchett.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-burchett-floor-remarks-bill-prevent-dc-trying-24-year-old-criminals