September 16, 2025

House overrides D.C. juvenile rules with H.R. 5140 and H.R. 4922

District officials lose juvenile justice authority under H.R. 4521

🎓Education🏛️Government⚖️Justice

The House passed H.R. 5140 on Sep. 16, 2025, by a 225-203 vote. The bill lowers to 14 the age at which certain D.C. minors may be tried as adults for specified violent felonies.

The House passed H.R. 4922 on Sep. 16, 2025, by a 240-179 vote. The bill redefines D.C. 'youth offender' status to exclude 18–24-year-olds for the listed benefits.

Congressional records show 8 Democrats voted Yea on H.R. 5140 and 31 Democrats voted Yea on H.R. 4922.

H.R. 5140's text states the law 'shall apply with respect to criminal offenses committed on and after the date of the enactment of this Act.' It does not apply retroactively to offenses before enactment.

U.S. Attorney leadership for D.C. changed in 2025. Matthew M. Graves stepped down effective Jan. 16, 2025. Jeanine Pirro was confirmed as U.S. Attorney for D.C. later in 2025.

🎓Education🏛️Government⚖️Justice

Test Your Knowledge

Which DC official wrote that H.R. 5140 represents "federal overreach threatening our autonomy"?

What date did the House pass H.R. 5140 and the DC CRIMES Act?

What age threshold does H.R. 5140 set for trying minors as adults for violent crimes in DC?

What was the final House vote count on H.R. 5140?

True or False: DC Mayor Paul Young supported these federal bills changing DC's criminal justice system.

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People, bills, and sources

Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX)

Bill sponsor

Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL)

Bill sponsor

Rep. James Comer (R-KY)

House Oversight Committee chair

Jeanine Pirro

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia

Mayor Muriel Bowser

Mayor of the District of Columbia

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY)

Republican dissent

What you can do

civic action

Monitor Senate calendar

Both measures were received in the Senate on Sep. 17, 2025. Track any referral, amendment, or committee schedule. A simple House passage does not make these laws.

contact@judiciary.

understanding

Review bill texts for implementation mechanics

H.R. 5140 contains an applicability clause that limits effect to offenses on or after enactment. Confirm court practice changes after enactment.

help@

civic action

Watch for legal challenges

D.C. officials and civil rights groups said they would sue if Congress imposes sentencing rules that conflict with home rule. Cases could begin within weeks of enactment.

oag@