Senators’ plans for an overhaul of the criminal justice system are piling up in the Judiciary Committee — and the latest spate of officer-involved tragedies could give them a boost.
While many bills touching all aspects of criminal justice sit idly by, recent movement in the committee shows change could be coming. One bill seeks to review the entire criminal justice system, while another approved last month addresses recidivism; and a subcommittee is set to review body cameras for police officers.
But even as senators speak of change and bills pop up in the hopper, America can expect a slower, more measured response from the Senate.
Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley, who ultimately decides what bills see daylight in committee, is focused for now on sentencing issues.
“The only thing that we’re in the middle of now is sentencing reform,” said Grassley, an Iowa Republican. “We’ve got 18 months left in this Congress, so there’s a lot coming down the pike. But I can’t give you a priority.”
Grassley said he’s agreed to meet with colleagues and the White House on mandatory minimums, and a Judiciary aide confirmed Friday staff talks have begun.
Majority Whip John Cornyn said on the Senate floor last week that “comprehensive everything” has led to mistakes. But the Texas Republican has taken an active role in sponsorship and promotion of several bills aimed at the issue.
[For more of this story, written by Mathew Fleming, go to http://blogs.rollcall.com/wgdb...justice-reform/?dcz=]
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