Dear Friend,
Today, too many Americans are sent to prison to serve lengthy sentences when there are better ways to help get a person’s life back on track. Across the country, there are cases where individuals are locked away for decades because of minor drug charges and other non-violent crimes. Not only is this a failure on the part of our criminal justice system; it is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars.
Dear Friend,
Today, too many Americans are sent to prison to serve lengthy sentences when there are better ways to help get a person’s life back on track. Across the country, there are cases where individuals are locked away for decades because of minor drug charges and other non-violent crimes. Not only is this a failure on the part of our criminal justice system; it is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars.
I recently joined my colleagues on the House Judiciary Committee in introducing the Sentencing Reform Act, and was pleased to see its swift consideration in committee. This bipartisan legislation reduces mandatory minimum sentences and provides judges with greater discretion in determining appropriate sentences.
The Sentencing Reform Act will help bring fairness to our judicial system by focusing on alternatives and community support for non-violent offenders while ensuring strict enforcement against violent criminals. With the legislation’s broad support, I’m optimistic that House leadership will allow a vote on the House floor and we will pass this important legislation into law, making a real difference in thousands of lives.
As always, my office is here to serve you. If you have questions or comments about the topics that matter most to you, I encourage you to contact me through my website. You may also keep up-to-date on what I’m doing by following me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. If you need assistance dealing with a federal agency, such as the IRS or the VA, please do not hesitate to contact my Bothell office at (425) 485-0085.
