Cornyn-Backed Criminal Justice Reform Bill Passes Committee

The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill he cosponsored that passed the Judiciary Committee on a 15-5 vote. The legislation, largely based on the CORRECTIONS Act Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse and I introduced earlier this year, builds on successful reforms implemented in Texas that reduced crime and saved taxpayers more than $2 billion.

Successful reforms in Texas and other states have taught us that it’s not enough to be tough on crime, we have to be smart on crime, too. This legislation will protect law enforcement’s ability to aggressively target violent offenders and serious criminals, but will also help break the cycle of inmates who repeatedly find themselves back behind bars after returning to society. This is a consequential moment of cooperation and collaboration for the Senate, and one that will help make our communities safer and save taxpayers’ dollars.

Key provisions in the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act:

• Provides for prison reform based on the Cornyn-Whitehouse CORRECTIONS Act
• Reforms and targets enhanced mandatory minimums for prior drug felons
• Broadens the existing safety valve and creates a second safety valve
• Reforms enhanced mandatory minimums and sentences for firearm offenses
• Creates new mandatory minimums for interstate domestic violence and certain export control violations
• Applies the Fair Sentencing Act and certain sentencing reforms retroactively
• Limits solitary confinement for juveniles in federal custody and improves the accuracy of federal criminal records
• Provides for a report and inventory of all federal criminal offenses

Please see additional background here.