WASHINGTON DC (September 27, 2019) — Senators Charles "Chuck" Grassley (R-IA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Senate Appropriations Committee this week unanimously approved $75 million in funding for programs established under the First Step Act, which was shepherded into law by Sens Grassley and Durbin last year.
“The unanimous decision by our colleagues to support funding for the First Step Act reflects the bipartisan nature of our criminal-justice reform bill. This funding will support programs in prisons across the country that will reduce recidivism and crime, and make our system of justice fairer. We look forward to moving this funding package through the full Senate and will continue working to further improve the criminal justice system.”
Sens Grassley and Durbin wrote to the appropriations subcommittee on commerce, justice, and science urging full funding on April 9. Full text of that letter can be found HERE.
