The House Judiciary Committee controlled by the GOP convened in Chicago yesterday to consider the city's escalating violence and crime rates. The event turned political, with partisan comments and disputed claims dominating, noted by the Chicago Sun Times.
Hosted at the Fraternal Order of Police headquarters, the hearing honed on the city's policies, primarily those championed by Democrats, Committee Chair Jim Jordan announced it, per ABC 7. Through these policies, he stated, Chicago has been reduced to an active war zone.
A crucial point of discussion was the recent repeal of cash bail in Illinois. Supporters believe it levels the playing field and makes way for to a more equitable justice system. However, critics counter-argue it invites further crime and violence, according to the same ABC 7 report.
All this unfolds amidst a looming government shutdown and continuing standoff between Washington's two major political parties. Illinois Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky expressed her views at the hearing, stating in earnest her dismay at the situation in an interview with ABC 7, "What we are seeing right now is a total collapse of the proper operations of government on the part of the Republicans."
