Two Bills Would Dramatically Improve Current Sentencing Practices August 3, 2009
Posted by FairSentencing in : Current News , trackbackIt’s been a hectic – but exciting – couple of weeks on Capitol Hill as members of Congress wrap up to leave for summer vacation. FAMM has been focusing it’s attention on two bills that are snaking their way through Congressional committees and could change the face of sentencing.
-
H.R. 3245, the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act of 2009, was introduced on July 16 to make crack and powder cocaine penalties equal. The bill was voted out of a House subcommittee on July 22, and approved by the full House Judiciary Committee on July 28. It now goes to the full House of Representatives for a vote, sometime this fall. There is not yet a companion bill in the Senate, but we hope there will be a bill to equalize crack and powder cocaine sentences soon.
- H.R. 3327, The Ramos-Compean Justice Act of 2009, was introduced with bipartisan support on July 24, and voted out of the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security on July 28. The bill would allow courts to sentence below the statutory minimum sentence if the mandatory minimum is longer than necessary to achieve the purposes of punishment. The next stop for the bill is the full House Judiciary Committee.
Both of these bills would dramatically improve current sentencing practices but both have some miles to go before they become law. Of course, with your help, we will get them there!
Visits and calls to your representatives, and attending Town Hall meetings will let your members of Congress know that they have constituents who care about these issues and are following them.
Remember, as the old expression goes, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” so let’s squeak long and loudly to change sentencing laws!
Loading ...
Comments»
Where do we go to sign a petition?
Hi Tom,
There isn’t a petition for anyone to sign. FAMM doesn’t believe that a petition is nearly as effective as writing, visiting, or calling your congressmen. They do have an action kit on their web site to help people communicate with their congressmen. It’s located here: http://capwiz.com/famm/home/
Thanks for the link. I had the same question as the above poster. I have never contacted any congressmen, but I am now and I appreciate the help.
You’re welcome, Paul, glad that I could help. I was very sorry to hear about your girlfriend. You are right, Measure 11 is barbaric and must be changed or abolished. So many people are caught up in nightmare situations. Our readers will keep you and your family in their prayers. Thank you for your input and please keep us posted. Come back any time, you are always welcome to add content.