The upper chamber voted 81-14 in favor of blocking the changes, exercising existing congressional power to intervene in domestic District affairs, NBC News reported.

President Joe Biden previously informed Senate Democrats that he would not veto the GOP-led motion, thus ensuring it will take effect as the House has already backed the effort.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson had attempted to stop the vote by withdrawing the proposed changes to the criminal code, though Republicans refused to accommodate that request.