Cornyn, Bipartisan Senators Unveil Criminal Justice Reform Bill

Statement

Today, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act. The legislation, largely based on the CORRECTIONS Act Sens. Cornyn and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced earlier this year, builds on successful reforms implemented in Texas that reduced crime and saved taxpayers more than $2 billion.

"This legislation is modeled after successful Texas reforms that have rehabilitated prisoners, reduced crime rates, and saved taxpayer dollars." Sen. Cornyn said. "This bipartisan package will protect law enforcement's ability to aggressively target violent criminals and serious offenders, while focusing on justice, rehabilitation, and public safety. I look forward to working with this bipartisan coalition to move this bill through Congress and to the President's desk."

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

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