This bill would require longer prison terms for several serious crimes in Washington, D.C. First degree murder would mean life in prison with no release. The new rules would apply only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law.
Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.
Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025 is a House bill waiting for floor action. The latest recorded action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279.
Latest action on H.R. 5172: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects people charged with serious crimes in Washington, D.C. It also affects judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, crime victims, and the prison system. Judges would have less freedom to give shorter sentences. Prosecutors and defense lawyers would handle cases with higher required prison time at stake.
Why this matters: This bill could mean much longer prison stays for people convicted of serious crimes in D.C. It would shift power away from judges by setting higher required minimum sentences. Supporters may see that as a stronger response to violent crime. Critics may see it as too rigid and as a limit on D.C.'s local control over its own criminal laws.
You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.
Officially: Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025
This bill would require longer prison terms for several serious crimes in Washington, D.C. First degree murder would mean life in prison with no release. The new rules would apply only to crimes committed after the bill becomes law.
Use this page to support, oppose, or ask Congress to amend H.R.5172. Modern Action explains what the bill does, helps identify the right senators or representative, and drafts a bill-specific message you can edit and send.
Where it stands
floor_pending
Your representatives are deciding where they stand. A few messages can tip the balance.
↓ Why your message matters here
This bill is moving through Congress right now — your representative needs to hear from you.
Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.
Where this bill is in the process
Introduced
Introduced in House
House Committee
Under House committee consideration
House Floor Vote
Voted on by House
Latest: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279. (10/3/2025)
Passed House
Approved by House
Senate Review
Sent to Senate for consideration
Passed Both Chambers
Approved by both House and Senate
Signed into Law
Signed by the President
For more detail
Choose one clear position: support, oppose, or amend. Then pick any reasons or personal context you want included. Modern Action uses that input and the bill context to draft a message you can edit and send.
Congressional offices prioritize messages from their own constituents. Modern Action uses your address to route the drafted message to your House representative when that is the most relevant target for this bill.
The draft includes the bill number, your position, the reasons you selected, any personal context you added, and a direct ask such as voting yes, voting no, cosponsoring, opposing, or seeking changes. You stay in control because you can edit the message before sending.
This page gives you an opportunity to support, oppose, or ask for changes to Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act of 2025, then contact the elected officials who can act. Modern Action drafts the message from your position and the reasons you select.
Modern Action keeps the action tied to the bill itself: what it does, where it is in the process (floor pending), which office can still act, and what ask belongs in the message.
You are not starting from a blank form. Modern Action drafts the message around H.R.5172, your stance, and the reasons you choose, then lets you edit and send when ready.
