Peter H. Bell: “Every day nearly half a million Americans sit in local jails without a conviction, overwhelmingly for nonviolent…”

“Every day nearly half a million Americans sit in local jails without a conviction, overwhelmingly for nonviolent, low-level offenses. They are not there because they have been found guilty but because they can't afford bail or are stuck waiting for their day in court. While they wait, taxpayers pay the price. That is why I have introduced the Justice Forward Agenda, a target, results-driven plan to reduce crime and use taxpayer dollars more wisely. The Community First Pretrial Reform and Jail Decarceration Act helps local jurisdictions cut unnecessary pretrial detention and expand proven alternatives. The DART Act builds off my work as a St. Louis County prosecutor by giving law enforcement better tools like diversion programs and mental health courts to connect people with treatment, housing, and support that actually stops the cycle of incarceration. This isn't leniency. It is strategy. It is about investing in what works, in what has proven effective, and building safer, stronger communities. Mr. Speaker, let's move justice forward. ____________________”