Late Tuesday night, the U.S. Senate passed a once-in-a-generation reform to America’s prison and sentencing system. According to Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley, the bipartisan First Step Act is a way to reduce repeat offenses, save taxpayer dollars and promote safe communities while also utilizing proven recidivism reduction programs for helping inmates return to society after serving their sentence. The act also reduces some sentences for low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important law enforcement tools to tackle criminal enterprises. Grassley calls the vote an important victory in the year’s-long efforts to bring about reform. “This bill is a product of careful deliberation and input from a wide range of stakeholders and law enforcement organizations,” he says. “I’m grateful for the engagement from those who joined us to pass the bill and for President Trump’s leadership.” The bill was approved on a vote of 87 in favor and 12 against. The First Step Act was endorsed by Trump and cosponsored by more than a third of the Senate, evenly balanced between Democrats and Republicans.
