Senate GOP Moves to End ‘Revolving Door’ of Criminals on the Streets

Nearly two weeks after President Donald Trump signed executive orders aimed at eliminating cashless bail nationwide, Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to solidify the policy into law.

The bills, titled the Ending Cashless Bail in Our Nation’s Capital Act and the Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act, were introduced by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

The lawmakers said their proposals would back up the president’s orders and ensure criminals charged with serious offenses remain in custody while awaiting trial.

Like the executive orders, the legislation would tie certain federal funds to compliance, restricting money for states and localities that continue implementing cashless bail policies.

Both senators said the measures are needed to stop what they describe as a “revolving door” that allows repeat offenders back onto the streets.

“Cashless bail and other soft-on-crime policies have empowered violent criminals across our country, putting the lives of law-abiding citizens at risk,” Blackburn said in a statement.

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Cornyn added that cashless bail policies are draining police resources and eroding public confidence.

“Cashless bail is a soft-on-crime policy that not only endangers innocent Americans, but also erodes trust in the justice system and drains law enforcement resources by forcing police to play a game of catch-and-release with repeat offenders,” Cornyn said.

“Washington, D.C. should be a shining city the world looks to as a model for safety and security.”

According to Blackburn’s office, the Ending Cashless Bail in Our Nation’s Capital Act would require Washington, D.C. to impose the highest level of cash bail necessary for dangerous offenders as a condition of pretrial release.

It would also ensure that individuals charged with violent crimes—including murder, rape, carjacking, sexual abuse of a minor, robbery, or burglary—remain behind bars while awaiting trial.

The Keep Violent Criminals Off Our Streets Act would prohibit Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants from being awarded to any state or locality that limits the use of cash bail.

These grants represent a key source of federal funding for law enforcement agencies.

Washington, D.C. has operated under a cashless bail system since 1992.

Proponents of the policy argue that requiring cash bail discriminates against low-income and minority defendants who may lack the financial means to secure release.

They say eliminating cash bail reduces inequities in the justice system while allowing judges to base release decisions on risk rather than ability to pay.

Critics, however, contend that the system undermines public safety by allowing dangerous individuals to avoid pretrial detention.

President Trump’s executive orders, along with the newly introduced legislation, are intended to address those concerns by conditioning federal funding on tougher bail requirements.

If enacted, the bills could have far-reaching effects on states such as California and Illinois, where cashless bail policies are currently in place.

In both states, the measures have been the subject of contentious debate between law enforcement, legislators, and advocacy groups.

Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., is expected to introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives, aligning with the Senate effort to move the proposals forward.

The bills now await committee consideration before any potential floor action in the Senate.