WFB: Amid concerns that the current version is unpopular with Senate Republicans and law enforcement officials, individuals within the administration are shopping a revised version of its criminal justice reform bill, the Washington Free Beacon has learned.
The FIRST STEP Act, a federal criminal justice reform proposal that would make sweeping changes to the federal prison system, has earned the backing a bipartisan group of legislators and the assent of President Donald Trump. But it has been waylaid on its way to the Resolute Desk by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R., Ky.).
This block is driven in large part by McConnell’s desire not to split his caucus, which is fiercely divided over the bill. Although a number of prominent conservatives back it—including Sens. Mike Lee (Utah) and Chuck Grassley (Iowa)—others, including Sen. Tom Cotton (Ark.), have had harsh words for it.
At the same time, the bill has struggled to garner support from law enforcement, a key constituency of Trump’s. Multiple law enforcement groups have criticized or openly rejected the bill, contending that its central plank—a new system of time credits which allow federal offenders early supervised release in exchange for completing recidivism training—is deeply flawed, and likely to release many dangerous criminals from federal detention.
Now, a law enforcement source close to the process has told the Free Beacon, the individuals within the administration have put together and are actively shopping an updated version of the bill, meant to assuage law enforcement’s concerns and thereby help bring more of the GOP caucus on board.
Responding to this reporting, the White House denied that there is any attempt to alter the FIRST STEP Act at this late stage in the process. read more
The biggest problem with FURST STEP is:
Hillary isn’t in it.
But Hillary is, however, enrolled in the FIRST FACEPLANT program.
If this atrocity is only the first step, imagine what the second step will be like!