House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended President Biden’s decision not to veto a Republican-led resolution that would overturn the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Washington, D.C. Council.
CNN’s Dana Bash grilled Jeffries on whether Biden pulled the rug out from under House progressives, suggesting the president could reverse his position again.
Jeffries said he believes that local government should have control over local matters, which is why he supports D.C. statehood. He also said that Democrats remain united on “the big picture issues,” regardless of the outcome.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued that the Statement of Administration Policy issued by the Executive Office of the President on Feb. 6 opposing the House resolution was not a promise that Biden would veto the legislation.
Biden’s decision not to veto the resolution disappointed some House Democrats who support criminal justice reform.
Takeaways:
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries defended President Biden’s decision not to veto a Republican-led resolution that would overturn the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Washington, D.C. Council.
Jeffries said he believes that local government should have control over local matters, which is why he supports D.C. statehood. Democrats remain united on “the big picture issues,” regardless of the outcome.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre argued that the Statement of Administration Policy issued by the Executive Office of the President on Feb. 6 opposing the House resolution was not a promise that Biden would veto the legislation.
Biden’s decision not to veto the resolution disappointed some House Democrats who support criminal justice reform.
Commentary:
President Biden’s decision not to veto the Republican-led resolution that would overturn the criminal justice reform legislation passed by the Washington, D.C. Council was a smart political move. It shows that he is willing to work with Republicans and that he is not beholden to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party.
Democrats should support criminal justice reform, but they should also recognize that there are limits to what they can accomplish with their slim majorities in Congress.
Biden’s decision not to veto the resolution does not mean he opposes criminal justice reform. It simply means that he believes that local government should have control over local matters.
Democrats should focus on passing legislation that has broad bipartisan support, such as infrastructure and voting rights bills, instead of fighting over issues that divide the party.