(PartiallyPolitics.com) – Centrist Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) has said that he will vote for a Republican-sponsored resolution to block a Washington, D.C., crime law that would completely eliminate the minimum sentences for most crimes. This would allow jury trials for misdemeanor offenses and would reduce the sentences for a number of crimes including robberies and carjackings.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser vetoed the bill but the D.C. Council overrode the veto in a 12-1 vote. Manchin has now said that he would vote in favor of a disapproval resolution that would block the law from being implemented. In Early February the resolution passed through the House of Representatives with the support of 31 Democratic votes.
Manchin told CNN that he does not support the elimination of the minimum sentence and added that he does not “want to let” people “out” but rather wants “to put people away.” He added that he has not yet had a briefing on the law, but based on what he knows right now he would vote to have it rescinded. He added that criminal offenders for serious crimes should not be allowed to be released from prison early.
Republicans, who had the minority in the Senate, can still advance the disapproval resolution sponsored by Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) as it is privileged under Senate rules.
Manchin’s support increases the chances of the resolution passing the Senate. At the same time, there is a possibility that President Biden would potentially veto the resolution, as he opposes having the D.C.crime law rescinded. However, he has not yet disclosed whether or not he would veto its repeal.
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