Hoyer Statement on House Passage of the Bipartisan First Step Act
Press Types
Press Release
For Immediate Release:
December 20, 2018
Contact Info:
Mariel Saez 202-225-3130
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the House overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan First Step Act to reform our nation's criminal justice system:
“Everyone agrees that our criminal justice system is broken. Today, Democrats and Republicans came together to make a much-needed changes to address inequalities in sentencing and make it easier for those who have served time to re-enter society. These reforms are not perfect – that is why the bill is called the First Step Act. It must not be the last step; rather, Congress must next build on these reforms to ensure that our justice system treats every person equitably and makes our country both safer and fairer. I want to thank incoming Chairman Nadler, incoming Democratic Caucus Chairman Jeffries, and all the Members who worked hard to bring this legislation to the Floor and ensure that it passed with bipartisan support.”
“Everyone agrees that our criminal justice system is broken. Today, Democrats and Republicans came together to make a much-needed changes to address inequalities in sentencing and make it easier for those who have served time to re-enter society. These reforms are not perfect – that is why the bill is called the First Step Act. It must not be the last step; rather, Congress must next build on these reforms to ensure that our justice system treats every person equitably and makes our country both safer and fairer. I want to thank incoming Chairman Nadler, incoming Democratic Caucus Chairman Jeffries, and all the Members who worked hard to bring this legislation to the Floor and ensure that it passed with bipartisan support.”