WASHINGTON — In the first step toward restructuring parts of the District of Columbia’s criminal justice system, the House of Representatives has passed two bills that would significantly impact juvenile offenders. The legislation, which spurred heated debate on the House floor, is the first of four bills targeting D.C.’s juvenile crime laws.

Republicans argue that the bills are a necessary response to what they describe as a "dystopian" and out-of-control crime wave in D.C., with a particular focus on youth offenders.

“It is clear to members of the committee and the public that D.C.’s soft-on-crime policies have failed to keep D.C. residents and visitors safe,” Rep. James Comer (R-KY) stated.

A number of GOP representatives reiterated Congress's right to control the city's laws.

Democ

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