Pelosi: Fair Sentencing Act a Step Forward in Addressing the Fairness of Our Sentencing Laws

WASHINGTON, July 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today after the House passed S. 1789, the Fair Sentencing Act. The legislation reduces the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine and increases criminal penalties for serious drug offenders. The bill now goes to the President's desk for his signature into law:

"In passing the Fair Sentencing Act today, the House sent a bill to President Obama that is a step forward in addressing the fairness of our sentencing laws. This legislation reduces the disparity between sentences for crack and powder cocaine – a step long overdue. The bill also includes tough new criminal penalties targeting the serious drug offenders who bring the most destruction to our families and our neighborhoods.

"The Fair Sentencing Act strengthens the hand of law enforcement while bringing greater balance to our sentencing and criminal justice system. That's why it won the support of both Democrats and Republicans, led by co-sponsors such as Senators Jeff Sessions and Tom Coburn. And that's why it has the backing of law enforcement, prosecutors and judges, civil rights organizations, and faith leaders.

"I commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing legislation in favor of fairness and justice for the American people."

SOURCE Office of the Speaker of the House

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