The media likes to portray Congress as Republican vs. Democrat, and although that’s sometimes the case, there are still areas where we can come together and work to advance important legislation. Prison reform is one of those areas. In December, both the House of Representatives and Senate passed the First Step Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. This bill will overhaul the federal criminal justice system, which is long overdue.
There are nearly 200,000 inmates in our federal prison system. Ninety-five percent of these individuals will leave prison, but unfortunately, due to how the system is currently set up, around 38 percent of these inmates will be arrested again within five years of release. Our failure to provide adequate resources for prisoners has led to challenges reintegrating into society. That’s why prison reform is so important. This bill will not only help provides opportunities for inmates to gain valuable skills to become productive, law-abiding members of society, it will also create safer communities.
The First Step Act’s goal is to ensure inmates don’t return to prison by better preparing them for reentry into society. This bill will provide opportunities for inmates to gain valuable skills through vocational training, educational coursework and faith-based programs. This targeted approach will help keep our streets safe and give inmates the ability to make the most of their second chance.
The First Step Act will also create a fairer justice system. This bill will improve mandatory minimums, which over the years have caused overcrowding and excessive costs that hardworking taxpayers end up paying for. Specifically, this bill will reduce harsh sentences for nonviolent drug offenders and reform the three-strike mandatory life provision. It will also expand the safety valve, which will allow judges to avoid handing down mandatory minimums for certain offenses if the individual meets certain criteria.
Like President Trump said, it’s our job to fight for all citizens, even those who have made mistakes. The First Step Act does just that while also creating a safer America.
1 comment:
Well, it is about time. I think the Democrats have been asking for this for many years. Too bad the members of our Congress have been so long to accept this as a cheaper alternative versus putting petty criminals in prison for so many years. Now if you would instead address white collar crime and the billions it has cost us taxpayers and demand restitution for their crimes it would really be appreciated. Maybe use their returns to help pay for the education and vo-tech training so badly needed by a majority of the ones not having Master's degrees it would really benefit society. For me it is almost too little too late, but maybe you should pay something to those that have spent 5, 10 or even 20 years behind bars for simple little crimes versus letting out wall street and politicians with no fine or jail time.
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