U.S. House Unanimously Passes Legislation Creating National Commission to Reduce Incarceration and Reform the Criminal Justice System
Commission Would Likely Analyze Over-Incarceration, Failed Drug War Policies, Racial Disparities, and More
Drug Policy Alliance Urges Senate to Quickly Follow House’s Lead
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Contact: Bill Piper 202-669-6430 or Tony Newman 646-335-5384
The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation tonight sponsored by Rep. William Delahunt (D-MA) which would create a national commission to study the U.S. criminal justice system and make recommendations for reform. The bill passed under an expedited process that presumes unanimity unless a member of Congress objects. No member objected.
“It is a sign of how quickly the tide has turned against punitive criminal justice policies that this bill passed without opposition,” said Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Prisons are overflowing at great taxpayer expense, in large part because of the failed war on drugs, and members of Congress are finally saying enough is enough, we need ideas for reform.”