Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Passage

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement following House passage of the First Step Act, a sweeping bipartisan criminal justice reform package that now heads to President Trump's desk:

"Today, Congress passed truly significant legislation, tackling a politically-thorny issue in a bipartisan way to make progress for the American people.

"We are long overdue to reform our criminal justice system. Today's legislation is an important first step, and one I was proud to support in the Judiciary Committee. In particular, I am glad the final legislation grants judges greater leeway when enforcing mandatory minimums, reduces the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, and invests in job training and drug treatment to help inmates re-integrate into society and lower recidivism.

"More broadly, this legislation demonstrates what is possible when Members of Congress put aside partisan differences and are willing to compromise for the greater good. In the new year and new majority, I hope we can build on this spirit of cooperation to tackle other pressing challenges facing our nation – from infrastructure to immigration to health care."