Richard Blumenthal actually said...

My own feeling is that we really need to do more research and study on what is effective in deterring wrongdoers.

I am hopeful that those regulations will be issued, because the law mandates they be issued.

that's why Senator Lee and I have not eliminated any mandatory minimums when it comes to the maximum side, nor eliminated them for any crime...

I believe that the most current research indicates that it is the certainty of punishment that really has the greatest deterrent effect.