Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I wish to voice my concern over the passage of the FIRST STEP Act, a bill that would reduce prison sentences for some Federal offenders, and to explain to the public why I did not vote for the bill. First, I want to say that I agree with some of the provisions of the act. For too long, we have been putting low-level drug offenders behind bars for exorbitant periods of time, without a focus on rehabilitation. This has ruined lives, irrevocably damaged our communities, and cost the taxpayer dearly. I support data-driven antirecidivism programs. I support helping people who have served their time to lead productive lives. I support using our prisons as a place to punish violent perpetrators and serious drug offenders. But this bill simply goes too far for the people of my State. What is happening currently in Alaska should serve as an example of the negative consequences resulting from a far-reaching criminal justice reform bill. Let me spend a few minutes talking about Alaska's experience with criminal justice reform. In 2016, then Governor Walker signed into a law a criminal reform bill, known in Alaska as SB91. The bill was similar to many similar bills passed in 30 States across the country. It was more sweeping than the Federal bill we are debating today, but it has served as a model for this Federal bill in front of us.…”