We must come together as a Nation to mourn the loss of Jakelin, and put politics aside to fix our immigration system so that is consistent with our American values.
This year the Senate has passed two major bills to reform and improve our criminal justice and juvenile justice systems. I'm proud to have worked with colleagues across the political spectrum to get these bills done, and I look forward to continuing our work in the next Congress.
Last night, we passed the First Step Act, a bipartisan bill that makes important reforms to our federal criminal justice system, a jumping-off point as we work to address our Nation's mass incarcerat...ion problem. First Step eases mandatory minimum sentences and includes retroactivity for the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, which reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. This means individuals sentenced before 2010 can petition to have their sentences reexamined.
The bill effectively ends solitary confinement of juveniles in federal custody, a provision included in the MERCY Act. Kids aren't just little adults, and solitary confinement can be especially harmful to their developing minds. It also includes reforms for federal prisons, encouraging participation in programming like job training, education and substance use rehabilitation. It prevents the use of restraints on pregnant inmates and ensures access to feminine hygiene products.
In addition, last week, Congress passed the Juvenile Justice Reform Act to reauthorize our federal JJ programs. This bill included two policies I've led in the Senate: Youth Promise Grants and limiting the detention of youth status offenders. Youth Promise Grants will help local communities disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline and support at-risk youth through a variety of programs, like tutoring, youth mentoring and physical and mental health programs. The bill also encourages states to limit the detention of youth status offenders who've committed an offense that would not be criminal if committed by an adult, like truancy, breaking curfew or running away from home. There's no reason for these kids to be incarcerated.
Passing these bills was a major accomplishment that followed years of work, and it will pave the way for additional reforms. We must continue working to promote fairness, dignity, accountability and rehabilitation in our criminal and juvenile justice systems.
