Senator Bob Corker on Monday announced plans to support S.3649, the First Step Act, legislation to reform America’s criminal justice system.
“This legislation is an important first step as we work to reform our nation’s criminal justice system,” said Senator Corker. “The First Step Act will allow us to better prepare offenders for successful reentry into their communities and makes important strides toward enhancing prison security and officer safety. I plan to support this legislation and am hopeful some of the changes being proposed to make this an even better piece of legislation are made before a vote on the floor.”
The legislation, authored by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), endorsed by President Donald J. Trump, and cosponsored a bipartisan group of 28 senators, aims to reduce federal recidivism and crime, prepare inmates for successful returns to society, enhance prison security and officer safety, and reform federal criminal sentencing. The bill has been endorsed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the nation’s largest police group. It also is now supported by 172 former federal prosecutors, including two former Republican U.S. attorneys general, two former deputy attorneys general and a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with sheriffs from 34 states across the country. The National Governor’s Association, which represents the governors of all 50 states, praised the bill last week, and a broad coalition of conservative, progressive, and faith groups also support the legislation.