A CRIME NOT TO
Trump, Dems push reform of sentencing laws
President Trump on Wednesday came out in support of legislation that would reform the nation’s criminal- sentencing laws, saying the changes would help former prisoners become “productive citizens.”
“I’m thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our community safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time. So important,” Trump said in a White House announcement, joined by supporters of the measure, who included members of Congress and the clergy.
“We’re all better off when former inmates can receive and reenter society as law-abiding, productive citizens.”
Lawmakers reached agreement this week on legislation, called the First Step Act, that would boost rehabilitation efforts for federal prisoners and give judges more discretion when sentencing nonviolent offenders, particularly for drug offenses.
“Our pledge to hire American includes those leaving prison and looking for a very fresh start. New job,” Trump said, adding that the law “will provide new incentives for low-risk inmates to learn the skills they need to find employment, avoid old habits and follow the law.”
It will also “encourage them to participate in vocational training, educational course work and faith-based programs,” he said.
Criminal-justice reform has been a priority of Trump’s son-inlaw and senior adviser, Jared Kushner.
Trump was expected to push for swift passage of the legislation, potentially during the lameduck session of Congress.
But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said there’s no consensus yet on legislation to overhaul criminal-sentencing rules, casting doubt on whether the Senate will be able to act before the end of the year.
“We don’t have a lot of time left,” McConnell (R-Ky) said, adding that measure would be competing for time with other year-end priorities.
The House in May passed legislation that would provide $50 million annually through 2023 for programs aimed at curbing recidivism.
The bill has been held up in the Senate, where Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley wants to include sentencing changes his panel approved in February.
Grassley (R-Iowa) proposes to give judges more leeway in sentencing, reduce mandatory minimum terms for some low-level nonviolent offenses, and retroactively apply a federal law that reduces sentence disparities between crack and powder-cocaine offenses.