Republicans attempt to block D.C. decriminalization of marijuana and tighter gun restrictions

Republicans attempt  to block  D.C. decriminalization of marijuana and tighter gun restrictions

Reuters is reporting that Efforts by congressional Republicans to block new laws in Washington, D.C., decriminalizing marijuana possession and tightening restrictions on guns have provoked a summer tempest between residents of the capital and U.S. lawmakers.

The District of Columbia’s non-voting representative in the House, Eleanor Holmes Norton and its residents are outraged that  Maryland Representative Andrew Harris, is attempting to overturn a law that took effect last month making possession of small amounts of marijuana a civil, rather than criminal, offense.

 Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie, is attempting to cut off funding to enforce a ban on assault weapons in the city.

“No red-blooded American would take what these members have tried to do to this city,” Norton said in a July 25 speech on the House floor, adding that residents of the liberal-leaning district were being treated as second-class citizens.

See the story: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/21/us-usa-districtofcolumbia-autonomy-idUSKBN0GL29Z20140821?feedType=RSS&feedName=politicsNews