Biden won't use his pen on repealing D.C.'s crime law

President Biden will allow Congress to overturn new D.C. crime law

In a private meeting on Thursday President Biden informed Senate Democrats that he will not use his veto power to block a GOP-led effort to repeal D.C.'s new crime law. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed the decision to reporters following the meeting.

The president later confirmed his decision in a tweet stating: "I support D.C. Statehood and home-rule – but I don't support some of the changes D.C. Council put forward over the Mayor's objections – such as lowering penalties for carjackings. If the Senate votes to overturn what D.C. Council did – I'll sign it."

Congress has unique legislative power over Washington, D.C., outlined both in the U.S. Constitution and the 1973 District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which gives Congress the power to block any laws by the D.C. Council. While rarely used, it is not unprecedented.

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