Washington's Crime Wave: A Look Back at Biden's 1992 Senate Speech

Back in 1992, Joe Biden, then a senator, had some strong words about crime in Washington, D.C.

A Shared Concern

• Many people felt the same way.
• Biden spoke on the Senate floor about the dangers of driving in D.C. at night.

Personal Stories

• Avoided stopping at red lights to dodge carjackers.
• Told a tale of a Senate Sergeant-at-Arms who tried to stop a carjacking but had to back off when the criminal pulled a gun.

Broader Issues

• Crime had become a big problem for everyone in D.C.
• Even being careful did not guarantee safety.
• Criticized then-President George H. W. Bush for not supporting tougher crime laws.

Legacy and Impact

• Biden's push for stricter crime laws did not succeed immediately.
• The next year, a similar bill, known as the "Clinton Crime Bill," was passed.
• This bill included many of the same ideas that Biden had proposed.

Today's Perspective

• Fast forward to today, and D.C. is still dealing with crime issues.
• The conversation around crime and safety has evolved over the years.
• One thing is clear: crime in D.C. has been a long-standing concern, not just a recent problem.