Video can be found here.
Introduction of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015
Today, I led a bipartisan group of senators to unveil the biggest criminal justice reform bill in a generation.
It`s the product of thoughtful, bipartisan deliberation by Congress.
We brought together very different perspectives to create a bill that will make a big difference.
To highlight a few items --
First of all, we preserve the main mandatory minimums.
But, we lower and expand some of the enhanced minimums to make sure violent and repeat drug offenders stay in prison and out of our communities.
That will be a big help in cities across the country who face rising homicide rates from violent offenders who have been released from prison.
For the first time, we are cutting back many of the most severe mandatory minimums so that they apply more fairly.
We are also expanding the current safety valve and even creating a second safety valve so that offenders who have minor criminal histories or play minor roles in drug organizations are not swept up.
And we are bringing real reform to our prisons that gives low-risk inmates a chance to return to society earlier and with better prospects.
This landmark legislation is a positive step forward in addressing legitimate over-incarceration concerns while targeting violent criminals and major players in the drug trade.
I look forward to moving the bill through the Judiciary Committee and in the Senate.
