Republican Senator Roger Marshall expressed concern about the safety of individuals in Washington, D.C., describing the nation’s capital as a “war zone” due to a rise in violent crimes, including carjackings and vandalism. Marshall called for Congress to play a more active role in overseeing the District of Columbia, citing constitutional provisions that grant Congress the power to exercise exclusive legislation in federal districts.
In response to an increase in criminal activity, Congress moved for the first time in over 30 years to overturn a local law that loosened criminal penalties for certain felonies in Washington, D.C. Overall crime rates in the city soared in 2023, with significant spikes in homicide, robbery, motor vehicle theft, and other violent crimes. However, in 2024, there has been a decrease in homicides, robberies, motor vehicle theft, and all violent crime compared to the previous year.
During a discussion about a flyer posted by another Republican congressman regarding noncitizens voting in the city’s elections, Marshall emphasized the importance of ensuring that only U.S. citizens are allowed to participate in Washington, D.C. elections. He raised concerns about the possibility of illegal aliens and foreign nationals, such as Chinese and Russian agents, influencing local elections. Marshall argued that Congress has the authority to intervene and prevent non-citizen voting in the District.
House Speaker Mike Johnson introduced the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require individuals registering to vote in the U.S. to provide proof of citizenship. However, due to the Democratic majority in the Senate and the likelihood of a veto from President Biden, the legislation is expected to face significant challenges in becoming law. Marshall and other Republicans are pushing for measures to ensure that only U.S. citizens can participate in elections in Washington, D.C. to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Senator Marshall’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about public safety and electoral integrity in Washington, D.C., as well as the role of Congress in overseeing the District. The debate over noncitizen voting and the proposed SAVE Act reflect broader partisan divisions on voting rights and election regulations in the United States. As lawmakers continue to grapple with these issues, the future of voting laws in the District of Columbia and across the country remains uncertain.
