Atlanta, GA – Today, the Senate passed a Republican-led resolution to block Washington, D.C.’s revised criminal code — which weakens penalties for certain violent crimes — from taking effect. In response, Tea Party Patriots Action Honorary Chairman Jenny Beth Martin released the following statement:

“Since the ‘defund the police’ movement began three years ago, crime has been exploding in Democrat-run cities all across America. As in other urban areas, crime in Washington, DC is off the charts. Unlike other urban areas, however, Washington, DC, is unique — it is the seat of the federal government. The Constitution recognizes Congress’s authority over the District of Columbia.

“The Senate just joined the House in moving to block the ultra-progressive D.C. City Council’s attempt to weaken penalties for violent crimes, a move that is so outrageous even many Democrats in the House and Senate balked. President Biden has said he will not veto the actions of the Congress in this case.

“In light of the disastrous effects of the ‘defund the police’ movement, it is time to reverse course and restore the rule of law. Biden needs to take on the left-wing, soft-on-crime elements of his party before they do even more damage to America.”