Sheila Jackson Lee: “Without provisions in the bill to reduce the excessive sentencing produced by mandatory minimums for drug offenses…”

“Without provisions in the bill to reduce the excessive sentencing produced by mandatory minimums for drug offenses, overcrowding will still persist and thereby divert resources from programs to reduce recidivism. Let me be very clear: The corrections officers indicate they don't have the staff. Halfway houses have been closed. In addition, it is documented that, if your son or daughter has an offense that was considered excluded and they have repaired their life, through the prison they have made changes, they will not be eligible-- not for the programs, but they will not be eligible for relief. So it is a first step. But I would simply say: If it is the first step, why not protection of immigrants? And, also, why not have a sentencing reform hearing, which the Republicans have canceled because of my position on this bill? Let us work together for what is good, Mr. Speaker. Let us make a difference in the lives of all of the inmates. Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak on H.R. 5682, the ``FIRST STEP Act of 2018'' and thank my colleagues, Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Collins for bringing this forward. This legislation purports to help reduce recidivism for the millions of formerly incarcerated people that will return to our communities. I respectfully reserve the right to voice my concerns with this bill. First, as the NY Times editorial noted, ``the biggest problem with the FIRST STEP Act is . . . .…”