Mike Garcia: “we are considering today the first of four bills which represent a serious violation of the rights of Washington, D.C.…”

“we are considering today the first of four bills which represent a serious violation of the rights of Washington, D.C., and the democratic process. Mr. Speaker, we know that D.C. has more residents than two States; D.C. taxpayers pay more Federal taxes per capita than any State; and D.C., as a whole, contributes more Federal taxes than 12 States. There are over 700,000 active residents here who deserve a voice. D.C.'s government is accountable to the people who live here, and local leaders should and are empowered to solve local problems without Congress interfering. Mr. Speaker, I have said this many times: If Donald Trump wants to run D.C., he should resign as President and run for Mayor. If my colleagues here want to legislate for D.C., there are plenty of opportunities to run for the D.C. Council. Mr. Speaker, I was a mayor of my city for 8 years before I came to Congress, and I love local government. A lot can get done and accomplished. Yet, let's not sit here in Congress and pretend to be a super city council, imposing our pet policies on residents who reject this agenda. Now, the bill before us right now is the so-called DC CRIMES Act. This bill will impose longer sentences on young people who commit crimes. How does it do this? It eliminates the ability for judges to make the best sentencing decisions for young adults. It will lead to worse outcomes, more reoffenders, and less safety.”