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Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act

The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act (S. 2123) passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 22 by a 15-5 vote. This bipartisan legislation would reduce certain mandatory minimum sentences, expand opportunities to avoid mandatory minimums, and make the 2010 crack sentencing reductions retroactive, while at the same time creating two new mandatory minimum sentences and expanding application of others. The bill also includes provisions relating to reentry, compassionate release, and juvenile justice. The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on October 19th where it heard testimony from nine witnesses, including Deputy Attorney General Yates, and representatives from the NAACP, Prison Fellowship Ministries, The Sentencing Project, the National Association of Assistant United States Attorneys, the Manhattan Institute, and a formally incarcerated individual. The legislation now moves to the Senate floor. A narrower House version (H.R. 3713) was introduced October 8 by several Judiciary Committee leaders and members.