US Congress Passes Criminal Justice Reform Act, Bill Heads to Trump for Signature

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 21st December, 2018) US Congress overwhelming passed a criminal justice reform bill known as The First Step Act which is now headed towards the White House for President Donald Trump to sign into law.

The US House of Representatives passed the bill on Thursday with bipartisan support by a 358 to 36 margin, according to a statement issued by the Judiciary Committee. The vote comes two days after the Senate passed the measure by an 87 to 12 majority.

"Congress just passed the Criminal Justice Reform Bill... Congratulations!" Trump said in a Twitter message. "This is a great bi-partisan achievement for everybody. When both parties work together we can keep our Country safer.

A wonderful thing for the USA!"

The First Step Act aims to reduce recidivism and reduces some Federal sentences. The legislation does away with the so-called "three strike" rule which mandated life sentences for criminals with three drug convictions, a draft version of the bill on the Judiciary committee website reveals.

The new legislation stipulates that if any person commits a serious drug felony after 2 or more prior convictions, such person will be sentenced to a prison term of no less than 25 years.

Other provisions include a ban in putting chains or shackles on pregnant women serving their sentences.