Illinois History Made As It Eliminates Cash Bail

Floor Speech

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Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as the proud Representative of a congressional district in Illinois, a State committed to progress, justice, safety, and human rights.

Yesterday, Illinois made history as the first State in the Nation to eliminate cash bail, a standard used to punish poverty instead of upholding justice. A standard that kept those without means, especially Black and Brown Illinoisans, in jail for months as they awaited trial, while letting slip those who could afford bail independent of the crime that they were accused of.

Some may say we are reforming our criminal justice system, but we are doing more than that. I especially thank Senator Robert Peters, who led the effort in the Illinois General Assembly. We, unlike other States, are creating a justice system that protects the victims, ensures equal due process for everyone independent of their means. The Pretrial Fairness Act is a historic win for civil rights advocates across our Nation, and it is time Congress followed Illinois' lead toward progress.

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