Wall Street Journal, New York Times Praise Trump-Backed First Step Act
“Congress has a rare opening to pass criminal-justice reforms” --
WSJ
---
“It’s time to put these necessary changes into action” -- NYT
The oft-divergent
editorial boards of the Wall Street
Journal and New York Times have
found a common cause in bipartisan
legislation to reduce crime, save tax dollars and improve fairness in
prison sentencing. Both papers recently endorsed
the bipartisan First Step Act, which
is backed by President
Trump and various law enforcement and prison reform advocates. Both editorials call on Congress to seize a rare
opportunity to enact overdue criminal justice reforms this Congress.
Wall Street Journal: ‘A
Prison Reform Opening’
“Don’t faint from surprise,
but many Democrats and Republicans agree on fixing some of the harder edges of
the criminal-justice system. A bipartisan proposal would correct some unfair
federal sentencing practices, and Congress should grab the chance.”
…
“The main point of the bill is to offer federal convicts a better
shot at returning to life as productive members of society, as most won’t be in
prison for life. The bill would open more opportunities for education or job
training. Certain prisoners could earn good-behavior credits that would allow
them to, say, move to a halfway house earlier. This is distinct from shaving
time off a sentence. Fentanyl kingpins, terrorists and the most violent felons
wouldn’t be eligible for credits.”
…
“Long overdue is fixing mandatory sentences that have produced
some outrageous results.”
…
“Passing these discrete measures would make it easier for Congress
to build later on what works. Such incremental progress used to be standard
procedure in Congress, and both parties now have a moment to put aside
political cynicism and pass something that could improve American justice.”
New York Times: ‘A
Real Chance at Criminal Justice Reform’
“In this early test, the president is signaling that he indeed
wants to make progress on critical issues that enjoy broad support. Lawmakers
from both parties should follow suit.”
…
“Further fueling optimism about the legislation’s future, last
week the Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement in support of the bill,
specifically endorsing its sentencing reforms. This is a significant shift from
February, when the group sent Mr. Trump a letter opposing previous sentencing
reform efforts.”
…
“Republicans have a clear incentive to act now, before they lose
control of the House. And if Democrats resist the temptation to let the perfect
be the enemy of the good, they can seize this opening to make progress on an
enduringly vexing challenge.”
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