Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has expressed his support following President Joe Biden's decision to commute the sentences of nearly 2,500 individuals convicted of non-violent drug offenses. Durbin, who serves as the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, highlighted his long-standing commitment to criminal justice reform in a recent statement.

“I authored the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act because I believe in second chances," said Durbin. "Far too many incarcerated people are serving excessively long sentences for non-violent drug convictions, despite demonstrating good behavior and commitment to reintegrating back into society."

Durbin praised President Biden for using his authority to address what he sees as injustices within the criminal justice system. “I’m thankful the President is exercising his authority to commute these sentences, righting some wrongs of our criminal justice system, and providing a second chance to folks who have earned it,” he stated.

The Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act are significant pieces of bipartisan legislation aimed at reforming sentencing laws. The First Step Act was signed into law by former President Trump in December 2018 with support from Senators Chuck Grassley, Cory Booker, and Mike Lee alongside Durbin. Meanwhile, the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 was enacted under former President Obama to reduce sentencing disparities related to cocaine offenses.

According to data referenced by Durbin, over 40,000 individuals released under these reforms had a recidivism rate of only 9.7 percent through January 2024. This is notably lower than the Bureau of Prisons' overall recidivism rate of approximately 45 percent.

Durbin continues to advocate for changes in criminal justice policy through various legislative efforts such as the Smarter Sentencing Act and the EQUAL Act. Additionally, he has collaborated with Senator Grassley on initiatives like the First Step Implementation Act and other measures designed to further reform efforts initiated by earlier legislation.