’First Step’ Would Mean Jailbreak for Violent Criminals

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute.

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is being pressed to schedule a quick Senate vote on the so-called “First Step Act” without a committee hearing.  Opponents call it the “Jailbreak Bill” because it would free early many federal felons convicted of supposedly “non-violent” crimes.

The bill’s supporters want to use the short window of the lame-duck session – when large numbers of legislators who aren’t returning next year can cast votes for which they can’t be held accountable – because, if Americans actually knew the kinds of criminals who would be treated as “non-violent,” they would furiously oppose such a jailbreak.

For example, traffickers of fentanyl and heroin and convicts who physically assaulted spouses, children or police officers would be eligible for greatly reduced sentences and early release.

Public safety requires an informed and deliberative process on the First Step Act, not what’s afoot at the moment. 

This is Frank Gaffney.