Summary
A U.S. Senate vote on Wednesday means, for the first time in 30 years, Congress and President Joe Biden will use their power to block a Washington, D.C. local law. The bill would overhaul the city’s criminal code as city leaders brace for more potential challenges. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out the latest segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- Who is Troy Burner?
- What stance did D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, members of Congress (Republicans and many Democrats) and President Joe Biden all have in common?
- Why did the D.C. City Council overwhelmingly pass its crime bill?
- Where and When was the crime bill passed? What body has the power to overrule D.C. laws? Under what document is this allowed?
- How did Congress justify its actions?
Focus Questions
Do you think Congress should have the power to control how the local government in D.C. rules themselves? Do you agree with Troy Burner's statement, "To have Congress or anyone else outside of who the people of the District of Columbia chose to represent them, have their authority to usurp is a total smack in the face to democracy."? Why or why not? Media literacy : What part of the story do you think was the most impactful? Why? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do : Talk to a family member or friend about their thoughts on whether or not Congress should be allowed to usurp D.C.'s right to rule themselves. Watch the student video of the day below. How have experiences of Fannie Mae Barnes and Troy Burner and many other Black people in America lead them to support criminal justice reform, such as the D.C. crime bill?Student Video of the Day
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