WASHINGTON POST: House Republicans are poised on Thursday to yet again examine the state of crime in the nation’s capital, continuing a months-long effort to hammer the District as ravaged by violence and local Democratic leadership as unequipped to address it. The hearing, before a House Judiciary subcommittee, is part of a continuing effort by GOP members to use crime in some Democratic-led cities across the country to their political benefit — portraying their party, and its more punitive policies, as the solution. The issue is particularly resonant in the District. The Thursday hearing comes as D.C. is experiencing a pace of homicides not seen since the late 1990s, when the city faced widespread social dysfunction, mismanagement, and rampant, crack-fueled street killings. This year, members of Congress and their staff have fallen victim to violent crimes themselves — including a Democratic representative from Texas who was carjacked this month about a mile from the U.S. Capitol, illustrating how the political has become personal for some federal lawmakers.[D.C. surpasses 200 homicides for the year at the earliest point since 1997]Thursday’s hearing is expected to target the “rise of violent crime” in D.C. as well as what the committee describes as a “lack of prosecutorial accountability.” The deputy mayor for public safety and justice, Lindsey Appiah, is expected to testify, invited by Democrats. Republicans invited two victims of violent crimes, the police union chair, and an analyst from a conservative think tank. Unlike other cities nationwide, the District’s top prosecutor, who is not expected to testify Thursday, is a federally appointed position.
Once again, Congress Plans to Take Aim at D.C. Crime
