Grassley, Durbin Statement on Senate’s Consideration of the First Step Act
WASHINGTON – Senate
Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senate Democratic Whip
Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) made the following statement on the Senate’s 82-12 vote
tonight to hold debate and a final vote on the First Step Act this week.
“Tonight
the Senate decided overwhelmingly to wrap up debate and hold a final vote on
the bipartisan First Step Act this week. Years of negotiations and input from
colleagues, stakeholders, advocates and law enforcement have finally culminated
in a broadly bipartisan bill that is backed by President Trump as well as
lawmakers and organizations from across the political spectrum. I look
forward to a lively debate. This is a unique opportunity to pass
once-in-a-generation reforms and to score a victory for the country and for
American justice,” Grassley said.
“I
am glad that my colleagues have voted to advance this bipartisan
legislation. It is the best chance in a generation to make meaningful
changes in our federal drug sentencing laws. We cannot waste it. I
look forward to debating this bill over the next day and sharing why Congress
should pass this bipartisan legislation to begin relieving our overcrowded
prisons, redirecting funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts,
making our communities safer, and ensuring the integrity of our justice
system,” Durbin
said.
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