House blocks DC crime law - Railroad worker sick leave - Nicaragua frees dissidents

Source: DC Office of Planning

1. Summary
   The House of Representatives voted to overturn a pair of new laws in Washington, DC on Thursday, using the Constitutional power that gives Congress authority over the district. The first vote nullified an overhaul of DC's criminal code, while the second rejected a law that would have granted non-citizens the right to vote in local elections.
   
   DC Mayor Muriel Bowser originally vetoed the criminal code law, which would have reduced maximum penalties for crimes like carjacking and burglary, but the city council overturned her veto. However, Bowser said Congress should not get involved. Republicans said the new criminal code would harm public safety, and that the voting law is inappropriate because DC has a uniquely large population of non-citizens.
   
   Although the votes may not pass the Democrat-held Senate, 31 Democratic representatives voted in favor of overturning the criminal code reform, and 42 Democrats joined Republicans in overturning the voting law. It has been three decades since Congress directly nullified DC legislation.

   Highly-rated - last 48 hrs
   House votes to overturn DC criminal code and voting laws.
   Associated Press (Moderate Left) • Factual Grade 78% • 7 min read
   

1. Different political viewpoint
   House votes to overturn DC law softening penalties for murder, carjackings.
   Washington Examiner (Right) • Factual Grade 60% • 3 min read

1. Selected long-read
   The pundits are wrong about D.C.’s crime bill.
   Slate (Left) • Factual Grade 78% • 10 min read

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