Proposed legislation to address federal sentencing guidelines

A group of bipartisan U.S. Congressmen, including Rep. Mike Bishop (R-MI),  unveiled the Sentencing Reform Act of 2015 on Thursday, legislation aimed at overhauling federal sentencing guidelines.

The legislation proposes reducing certain mandatory minimums for drug offenses, reducing the three-strike mandatory life sentence to 25 years, broadening the existing safety valve for low-level drug offenders and providing judges with greater freedom in determining appropriate sentences.

“As a former prosecutor and a member of the House Judiciary Committee, one of my first actions in Congress was to meet with members of the criminal justice community to learn about issues impacting Michigan’s Eighth District,” Bishop said. “I’m proud to be a co-sponsor of this fiscally and socially responsible legislation that not only protects our communities from violent criminal offenders, but also provides flexible sentencing for those who deserve it.”

The bill also includes sentencing changes for trafficking of Fentanyl, a highly addictive and deadly drug that is  often cut with heroin.

“I am also optimistic about the reforms made to address America’s growing heroin epidemic, which is destroying families and young lives across this nation,” Bishop said.

Joining Bishop in introducing the bill were: House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Ranking Member Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX),  Rep. Raul Labrador (R-ID), and U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA-27).