D.C. Council chair says he pulled plan to overhaul criminal code, cutting off congressional review

Washington — The Senate is expected to move forward with a vote this week on a measure expressing disapproval of a plan to overhaul the District of Columbia's criminal code, even though the head of the D.C. council says he withdrew the controversial measure, forestalling congressional action.

Phil Mendelson, chairman of the District of Columbia Council, announced Monday that he informed the Senate in a letter that he pulled the legislation revamping the district's criminal laws, which would enable local officials to "work on the measure in light of congressional comments."

"It's clear that Congress is intending to override that legislation," Mendelson said, "and so my letter, just as I transmit bills for their review, withdraws from consideration of the review."