Cornyn-Backed Criminal Justice Reform Bill Passes Committee

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) voted to approve the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill he cosponsored that passed the Judiciary Committee on a 15-5 vote. The legislation, largely based on the CORRECTIONS Act Sens. Cornyn and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced earlier this year, builds on successful reforms implemented in Texas that reduced crime and saved taxpayers more than $2 billion.

"Successful reforms in Texas and other states have taught us that it's not enough to be tough on crime, we have to be smart on crime, too. This legislation will protect law enforcement's ability to aggressively target violent offenders and serious criminals, but will also help break the cycle of inmates who repeatedly find themselves back behind bars after returning to society," Sen. Cornyn said. "This is a consequential moment of cooperation and collaboration for the Senate, and one that will help make our communities safer and save taxpayers' dollars."

Key provisions in the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act:

Provides for prison reform based on the Cornyn-Whitehouse CORRECTIONS Act
Reforms and targets enhanced mandatory minimums for prior drug felons
Broadens the existing safety valve and creates a second safety valve
Reforms enhanced mandatory minimums and sentences for firearm offenses
Creates new mandatory minimums for interstate domestic violence and certain export control violations
Applies the Fair Sentencing Act and certain sentencing reforms retroactively
Limits solitary confinement for juveniles in federal custody and improves the accuracy of federal criminal records
Provides for a report and inventory of all federal criminal offenses

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