Nydia Velázquez: “I am a proud supporter of the First Step Act, which gives nonviolent offenders a chance to reenter society.”

Of particular concern to me are the barriers that women, minority, and rural entrepreneurs face each and every day.

Therefore, we must consider the many other drivers of inflation to create a comprehensive policy response, not play political games.

Thank you. And I want to thank you, Mr. Chairman, and Mr. Mfume for this bipartisan effort, very important legislation.

I urge my colleagues not to engage in knee-jerk reactions that set back our real progress toward creating a more equitable criminal justice system.