Shaheen Statement on Passage of Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Bill: A Giant Step Towards a Fairer Justice System in this Country

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued the following statement after voting in favor of legislation that passed the Senate 87-12 to reform the federal criminal justice system, known as the First Step Act.

“This bipartisan legislation is a giant step towards a fairer justice system in this country,” said Shaheen. “For far too long, over incarceration has led to recidivism, poverty and broken communities, undermining, rather than contributing to, our public safety. This legislation will better ensure that prison sentences fit the crime and will encourage participation in rehabilitation programming, including substance abuse treatment and job training. I’m very pleased that this landmark legislation was passed with a strong bipartisan vote, once again demonstrating that when politics is set aside, the Senate can make real and lasting progress for the American people. I urge the House to move expeditiously and pass this legislation to ensure it is sent to the President’s desk.”