Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Criminal Justice Reform Bill

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker-designate Nancy Pelosi issued this statement after the House passed a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill:

“The bipartisan First Step Act will bring hope, healing and renewal to thousands of lives.

“Members of Congress came together to write a bill that reduces the impact of draconian mandatory minimums, and makes progress to address discriminatory sentencing laws.  Its positive prison reforms for pregnant prisoners, juvenile prisoners, prisoners with substance abuse disorders and other low-risk inmates respect the spark of divinity within us all that makes us all worthy of respect.

“On behalf of House Democrats, I am grateful to Members on both sides of the aisle for their tireless, persistent work to pass this much-needed bill.  This legislation is a meaningful start, and House Democrats will continue to seek additional criminal justice reforms.”

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