Republican Senator Roger Marshall from Kansas has described the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., as a “war zone” due to a recent increase in violent crime, including carjackings and vandalism. He expressed concern for the safety of his workers on Capitol Hill and called for Congress to play a more active role in overseeing the district. The Constitution grants Congress the power to exercise exclusive legislation in federal districts, and the DC Home Rule Act of 1973 gives Congress certain powers, including the ability to block local legislation.
In response to a spike in crime in Washington, Congress overturned the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022, which had loosened penalties for certain felonies, including armed robbery. Data from the Metropolitan Police Department showed a significant increase in crime in 2023, with homicides up 35%, robbery up 67%, motor vehicle theft up 82%, and all violent crime up 39%. However, in 2024, there has been a decrease in crime, with homicides down 21%, robberies down 27%, motor vehicle theft down 31%, and all violent crime down 26%.
Senator Roger Marshall criticized the DC government for allowing noncitizens, including illegal aliens and foreign nationals, to vote in local elections. He called for legislation that would require only U.S. citizens to vote in Washington, D.C. elections, stating that it is essential to have a mayor who will prioritize public safety. House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require proof of citizenship for anyone registering to vote in the U.S. However, this legislation is not expected to pass the Democratic-controlled Senate or receive President Biden’s approval.
The issue of the increase in crime in Washington, D.C., and the potential involvement of noncitizens in local elections has become a contentious topic among lawmakers. Senator Marshall’s comments about the safety of Capitol Hill workers and the need to prioritize public safety in the district reflect growing concerns about the situation in the nation’s capital. Despite efforts to address the problem through legislation such as the SAVE Act, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to these challenges and what impact it will have on the safety and security of Washington, D.C.
The debate over the level of crime in Washington, D.C., and the potential influence of noncitizens on local elections highlights the complexities of governing the nation’s capital. The contrasting data on crime rates between 2023 and 2024 underscores the challenges in addressing these issues effectively. Whether Congress will take further action to address these concerns and how the DC government will respond to calls for greater oversight remain uncertain. The safety and security of Washington, D.C., and its residents will continue to be a key focus for lawmakers and policymakers moving forward.
