Langevin Supports Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill

Statement

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) issued a statement after voting in favor of the First Step Act, a landmark sentencing reform bill that passed the House of Representatives today by a vote of 358-36:

"For decades, our justice system has locked up non-violent offenders, even when they pose little risk of committing further crimes. After years of negotiations, today's vote represents a significant step in the right direction to try and return fairness to the sentencing process. By establishing new recidivism reduction programs with incentives for participation and by reducing mandatory minimums sentences, this bill will help us move past the days of needless mass incarceration and towards a more compassionate system that maintains safety in our communities. I am thrilled that Congress was able to come together in a bipartisan manner to pass these critical reforms.

"Special recognition is owed to my delegation colleague Senator Sheldon Whitehouse for his tireless work on criminal justice reform. He recently shepherded a comprehensive juvenile justice bill through Congress, and his stalwart advocacy for improving sentencing and rehabilitation are evident in the First Step Act. While we must acknowledge the need for further improvements at both the state and federal levels, we have made notable progress today for justice in the United States."

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