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H.R. 61, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2009 (238 comments ↓ | 3 wiki edits)
H.R. 61 would amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an alternate release date for certain nonviolent offenders.
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HOPE
February 10, 2009, 8:01am (report abuse)THE BENEFITS OF THIS BILL ARE NUMEROUS. BUT THE REALITY IS THAT THESE ONE TIME OFFENDERS SHOULD NOT BE SENTENCED TO MORE TIME THEN MOST VIOLENT CRIMINALS.
6 P's
February 10, 2009, 10:53am (report abuse)I believe that HR 61 should be passed. But that is not enough. There should be a plan. the 6 P's are prior planning prevents piss pour performance. What will they do when they get out? Letting them out without a plan is a setup for recycling. Let's do this....by planning.
Money
February 10, 2009, 11:08am (report abuse)Pass the bill and stop wasting tax payers money.
GO 61
February 10, 2009, 12:10pm (report abuse)THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS AN ENDLESS SUPPLY OF MONEY TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE WHITE COLLAR NON VIOLENT CRIME. IMAGINE EVERYONES LIFE BEING SUBJECTED TO THE SCRUTINY THAT THESE PROSECUTORS
COMMIT THEIR LIFE TO. IT'S MORE LIKE AN ACT OF VENGEANCE THAN JUSTICE. THIS BILL WILL HELP MANY FAMILIES THAT NOT ONLY LOST EVERYTHING TO DEFENDING THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO LOST A TREMENDOUS TIME IN PRISON. OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS NOT FAIR YET. IT STILL NEEDS CHANGE. THIS BILL IS ONE STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
tax payer
February 11, 2009, 12:07pm (report abuse)there is a web site called govit.com and you can vote on bills and the results are e-mailed to your local member on congress. I urge you to be heard and vote thanks
LF
February 11, 2009, 7:03pm (report abuse)I agree with the criteria required and believe that this bill should be passed.
a voter
February 12, 2009, 12:28am (report abuse)give the nonviolent another chance if it is his first offence. I am sure he will learn a lesson, also the person has a family in the best of standings all college graduates and never in trouble noe he also thank you
L.
February 12, 2009, 12:45am (report abuse)Did you see in the paper that thousands of violent offenders were released from California prisons to save costs? It is being appealed but this is a perfect example of why this bill should be passed now- it could save billions and help our economy. If states are willing to release violent offenders early and put them on parole to save money - why aren't federal prisons paroling non-violent offenders?
DA
February 12, 2009, 4:44pm (report abuse)Did you actually read the article? The courts have ordered the release but it has not happened yet. Get your stuff together.
Just a Mom
February 13, 2009, 12:00am (report abuse)So many of you agree with this bill, like I do. So why aren't the votes in favor at the top of this page higher than those against? Let's send a message to the people who need to hear. Vote for it and raise that percentage, then write your congressman and urge him to vote for it as well. But let's also ask him or her to amend the age restriction--that part make so sense!
Vote YES
February 13, 2009, 8:31am (report abuse)President Obama and Congress are trying to find ways to cut spending. H.R. is the perfect place to start. Billions of dollars will be saved when this passes.
I agree
February 15, 2009, 12:06am (report abuse)With our country in economic turmoil; this bill makes sense to reduce spending at the Federal Level. Lets pass H.R. 61.
DENNIS
February 15, 2009, 3:29pm (report abuse)FOR ALL IT'S WORTH, OUR PENAL CODE
NEEDS TO BE REEVALUATED AND AMENDED PUNISHMENTS TO REFLECT NOT ONLY THE SEVERITY OF THE CRIME BUT ALSO PUBLIC SENTIMENT. WHEN WE PUT MORE VALUE BY MEANS OF PUNISHMENT ON NON VIOLENT CRIMES THAN WE DO ON MURDER OR OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES SHOULD INDICATE THAT OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM IS OFF KILTER.
Observation
February 16, 2009, 12:12pm (report abuse)This bill should pass. Jail time is way to too long in America. What should be 30-60 days jail..its 10 years in America...crazy and waste of money to operate stupid jails...Non-Violent should not EVEN go to jails, but do Halfway house and get treatment...is the idea treatment or ONLY PUNISHMENT...make people useless to the society by keeping them in for long time serves zero good purpose...the longer BOP keeps people inside the less the chance of prisoner becoming productive in life later..guess what they will go back in again, because BOP and long sentences just made them useless..PASS THIS BILL NOW..in fact it should not include half the term clause even..it should if the prisoner served 60 days and well behaved..they should be out...
Interesting
February 16, 2009, 1:51pm (report abuse)The U.S has the highest percentage of people in prisons in the world surpassing CHINA.
U.S. 2.3illion
China 1.5 million
Observation is CORRECT!
February 17, 2009, 7:33pm (report abuse)Non-violent offenders should not go to jail. They could hold jobs if they were in half-way houses, treatment centers, or home confinement. Working, paying taxes, and putting money back into the economy is what this country needs to get back on track. H.R. 61 is a great start. It must be passed!
T-BILL
February 17, 2009, 8:25pm (report abuse)TOO MUCH MONEY IS BEING SPENT ON IMPRISONING WHITE COLLAR CRIMINALS.
AMERICA HAS MORE PRISONERS OF NON-VIOLENT CRIMES THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD. STOP THE INSANITY!!!
To Mr. James C Pennington
February 19, 2009, 12:31am (report abuse)If you are so gung-ho about "if you do the crime, you do the time" no matter what offense, why don’t you give up a couple of millions of your hard earned money to build more prisons to prevent overcrowding and/or at least admit that most nonviolent crimes do not deserve long sentences such as violation of probation due to dirty urine. Now, isn’t it fair to say that it is not right for a person to violate probation and get 2-5yrs vs. a person to rape, sodomize and torture a child and get 6months-2yrs in prison and be out before the person who violated their probation? I ask again, do you think that is fair or morally sane?
James V Pennington
February 19, 2009, 11:21am (report abuse)I will contribute money to build more prisons. And I ask this - If this bill passes are you willing to provide living places in your neighborhood for all the released criminals? Let's build the release centers and half-way houses right in the middle of your communities and see how you feel. And are you going to hire all these newly released felons in your companies? How will your customers and current employees feel about that? Here's an idea - let's put all those guys like Madoff to work as tellers in your bank, or cashiers in your stores. If not, will you contribute more of your earnings to pay the welfare bill? Or is this another of those "Not in my backyard" kind of liberal initiatives? Just more of the same old liberal drivel.
A Son
February 19, 2009, 11:32am (report abuse)I would rather put with a white-collar parolee then have to put with you Mr. Pennington in my neighborhood.
veteran
February 19, 2009, 10:24pm (report abuse)I agree with A Son.
YES!
February 24, 2009, 10:09am (report abuse)I agree with A Son
To Pennington
February 24, 2009, 10:19am (report abuse)You'll notice I left the Mr. out of it since you do not deserve the respect. You have insulted the African-Americans, the poor and others. As for the comment on February 19th, I would not mind a non-violent parolee in my neighborhood. Better a non-violent parolee than a child rapist who was only sentenced to one year and is out on parole. You cannot see the forest for all the trees. Yes, those who do wrong should pay the debt back to society. But at what cost? Is it more important to keep a white collar criminal behind bars than someone who does actual physical harm to another? White collar crimes should be forced to rectify with the victims of the crime via a monetary fine so we have the room to house violent offenders.
PassThisBillNOW
March 4, 2009, 1:40pm (report abuse)I fully support this bill. It makes 0 sense to put non-violent white collar criminals in jail for more than 30 days. They should stay out and work and pay back to the victims. It does not make sense to put people in for years for non-violent crime. What sense does that make. Pass this Bill now and add 30 jailtime limit for non-violent white collar criminals..I would hire them as most of them (99%) did not intent harm anyone but business conditions screwed up on them. Therefore they should payback and work hard. Dock there income 50% or more and let them work.
sissyj.
March 4, 2009, 2:38pm (report abuse)I pray this bill passes.My sister was set up by the DEA and sentenced to 30 months.The real criminals are the government officials making a name for themselves and justifying their jobs.
.
March 5, 2009, 10:30am (report abuse)Poor sissyj. Every criminal in jail today has the same lament. "I'm innocent, I was set up." Horse hockey!
PassHR61 ASAP
March 5, 2009, 3:53pm (report abuse)This bill should Pass now. It does not make sense to waste taxpayer dollars to support non-violent white collar criminals. They should not be incarcerated instead should be forced to work and pay back majority of there salaries.
James C Pennington
March 7, 2009, 9:13am (report abuse)So make them work at cleaning streets and doing other civic projects during the day and lock their sorry *sses up at night. That way they can at least pay back part of their debt with actual productivity.
Evelyn Wallace
March 8, 2009, 3:27pm (report abuse)This Bill should be pass because we would have room for violent criminals that ironically get out earlier, it would also save lots of money to the tax payers that could be used somewhere else, without mention how much it cost to pay for the medication some of them need, the non-violent offenders should be able to get a second chance and take care of their own expenses. To all the senators please pass this bill ASAP
Evelyn Wallace
March 8, 2009, 3:54pm (report abuse)To Jame C. Pennington it's hard to believe that a person like you hate and insult so many people from different races, there's nothing to do with it, everybody have the same right to live, that is not the solution. It's even more scary to have people like you around because it's for people with the same thoughts or perspective than yours that monstrous things happen in the World History like the holocaust. You should be ashamed of yourself. By the way the streets could be a lot cleaner if people where more educated, because education starts at home. Please don't give voice to people like Pennington because he doesn't make any sense and the can be very offensive. To ask for respect you have to give it first.
Charles Wallace Jr
March 8, 2009, 4:17pm (report abuse)This bill should be past for a lot of reasons; first would be all the money tax payers could save and use on something different to help out the actual economic situation instead of the government trying to increase even more our taxes, and the other it's because by incarcerating non-violent criminals for such a long periods of time over crowding the correctional institutions there's less room for violent criminals in jail that personally should stay there to keep our kids,neighborhoods and society safe.PLEASE PASS THIS BILL ASAP!!!
Charle Wallace Jr
March 8, 2009, 4:18pm (report abuse)THIS BILL SHOULD BE PASS
Amber Jarnigan
March 8, 2009, 4:30pm (report abuse)This bill makes sense economically and morally. Support Congressman Jackson-Lee's effort to get it passed.
George Adams
March 8, 2009, 10:55pm (report abuse)Call your congressman and support this bill. It makes sense.
JEM
March 10, 2009, 3:58pm (report abuse)Pass this bill. The only difference between some of these people and some of us is that we haven't been caught. We have all likely done something wrong over the span of our lives. By the grace of God, I have never been caught. I have gone over the speed limit. I have had a check bounce (unintentionally-but illegal none-the-less). There are numerous things people do of which they are guilty just not caught. Most non-violent offenders are not hard core criminals. They have made a mistake and most go on to lead productive lives. Hard core criminals are who we should be focusing our attention. This bill just makes sense.
yellowlady
March 10, 2009, 10:16pm (report abuse)PASS THE BILL!!!!! It make sense i have a friend doing 20 years for cons.because of what someone else say he did.I have a neigebor who KILLED his first cousin and he did only 10 years now he is out FREE thats not right...Ihave a Uncle who KILLED my aunt he did only 10 years but my friend who is in prison now servein 20 year for cons.thats some crazy law...Ipray this bill pass I hope the law make some changes in it....Buti know one day hewould be home he have been in prison now for 7 years....PLEASE PASS THE BILL
KIMMY
March 10, 2009, 10:20pm (report abuse)PASS THE BILL!!!!!MY sister boyfriend have 20 years And i know people who have KILLED people and out in 6 years...PLEASE PASS THE BILL
Wyoming Voice
March 11, 2009, 4:26pm (report abuse)I could support a Bill that gives judges and parole boards the authority to (case by case) commute sentencing for non-violent offenders as long as there is proof of rehabilitation and a system in place that would allow for their safe reintroduction into society. Just opening the door because the offender turned forty five years old is asinine.
logical
March 13, 2009, 11:40am (report abuse)Our justice system has become so messed up that it is necessary to finally apply some common sense laws to reign in the abuse. See yellowlady's and KIMMY's comments. We are punishing people to death because we want to appear "tough on crime", but end up overcrowding our prisons and setting the dangerous violent criminals free. The rich well-connected criminals who bilk people out of their money and homes (Madoff's recent conviction notwithstanding) usually avoid sentencing altogether.
J.O
March 14, 2009, 7:44am (report abuse)EVERYONE STOP REPLYING BACK TO J.C OR MR PENNINGTON..... OBVIOUSLY THEY ARE IGNORANT MEN WHO REALLY DON'T HAVE A HEART OR ANYTHING INTERESTING TO SAY ABOUT THIS BILL YOU ARE FEEDING INTO THEM ,,, WHEN WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THE BILL!! STOP ALRADY !!!
GREG'S WIFE
March 14, 2009, 7:46am (report abuse)PLEASE PASS THIS BILL.. THERE ARE TOO MANY INOCENT MEN IN PRISON.. FOR WAY TOO LONG... AND WE ALL KNOW THAT THIS DOES HAPPEN TO PEOPLE!
Upset
March 15, 2009, 8:41pm (report abuse)My mom was just sentenced to 27 months for a "white collar" crime. She didn't manage her tax business carefully. The sick part about it all the workers who actually committed the crime where not punished. She doesn't owe the government any money at all and she still has to serve 27 months in a Federal Prison. This is totally unfair...she had a great job not doing Taxes. At this point she couldn't afford an attorney so she had to take a Public Defender...worst ever. As a result to this she was not represented well. My mother is all we have the only income support for my youngest brother...she can't provide for him now. This is just a sad situation...PLEASE PASS THIS BILL. Another individual whose sentence was too harsh!!
upset
March 15, 2009, 9:58pm (report abuse)I forgot to mention that it took the Federal department almost 7 years to through together a case. The penalty was from 2002-2003 the only years where she had employees working for her.
logical
March 16, 2009, 9:16am (report abuse)This bill, and the one from last session - H.R. 623 which gives ex-offenders a chance to clear their records and get back to work, both need to be supported and passed. Get on the phone to your congressmen.
SYLVIASRD35
March 17, 2009, 10:34pm (report abuse)PASS HR 61.
It keeps families together, and it saves the taxpayers money.
Let us all pray that it will pass.
Nana
March 18, 2009, 3:58pm (report abuse)My father has been in federal prison for the past 14-15 years serving a 25 year sentence. He missed out on our childhood and he was a first time offender. I also work for a criminal defense attorney and Federal sentences are worse than state sentences. Being sentenced in state court is like a slap on the wrist. I really hope this bill gets passed to finally have my dad back home and have him involved in his grandchildren lives.
Amazing
March 21, 2009, 8:19pm (report abuse)There has been a murder in my home town and since the accused murderer is a police informant, he will likely be sentenced to less time than my dad got for a white collar time. Talk about Justice. THIS NEEDS TO PASS!
Vote
March 24, 2009, 11:24am (report abuse)Be sure to vote yes at the top right!
Wake up
March 25, 2009, 2:10pm (report abuse)I love the "we're law abiding people". If you don't think they'll lock you up for any reason they can think of, then I ask that you take me to space when you go because you haven't been here. Some of the charges that will put you behind bars are ridiculous. If you get caught with a marijuana cigarette you'll go to jail. Does this crime fit the time? Most non violents are there for simple possesion. You can clean house by letting them out early but I think the laws need to be changed. Prohibition DOES NOT WORK. I only referenced drugs, there are many other things that will get you locked up. They teach cops that EVERYONE has a charge that can be placed on them, they can even instigate it. "Law abiding" my butt. Stay in your dream world buddy.
JACKAY
April 2, 2009, 8:45pm (report abuse)I AM IN SUPPORT OF THIS BILL IT NEEDS TO BE PASSED.
Ms. Mo
April 3, 2009, 2:02pm (report abuse)I know this should pass for the simple fact that it doesn't take 15+ years for a non violent person to rehabilitate! I understand the concept of "You do the crime, you do the time" but goodness! Although I have a serious problem with the person needing to be at least 45 years old. Why? Who wants to hire a 45+ year old straight out of prison? Someone who is 35 yrs old and has served half of their sentence could re-enter the "Real World" and maybe contribute to society. A 45 year old may have given up on the possibilites simply because of their age.
PASS IT! PASS IT! PASS IT! PASS IT! PASS IT!
Steve C.
April 5, 2009, 8:31am (report abuse)I believe the time should fit the crime. In this case it does not. H.R. 61 needs to be passed by Congress; it will save millions to taxpayers.
McDonough
April 7, 2009, 10:32pm (report abuse)Please also look at Bill HR1466. This bill needs to be passed I never realize the unfairness. The time should match the crime. Mandatory time of sentencing is not justice.
R
April 8, 2009, 10:53am (report abuse)Write your senators and congressman. That is the only way we get this passed.
UnConditionalLove
April 9, 2009, 11:02am (report abuse)We have recently seen how Federal Prosecutors act by the recent reversasl of Alaska's Senator Stevens. People who have voited against this bill are uninformed how Federal Prosecutors use any and all tactics to get a conviction. Federal Prosecutors are not concerned about JUSTICE. They only want conviction in order to further their own agendas - promotions and higher office.
When you get to heaven, ask around and see if you can find a Federal U.S. Attorney. My guess, YOU WON'T.
Meena Kulkarni
April 9, 2009, 9:17pm (report abuse)I am in support of this Bill; it needs to be passed. If a few people are against it then they certainly lack common sense, logic and compassion just like US federal
laws and its Justice. US Govt is always eager to give lectures about human rights all over; at the same time they treat their non-violent and also white collar criminals like piece of dirt.
I have no respect for these Federal Judges--only God knows--do they really respect Fifth amendment? do they really go over each and every case? do they really respect sentence guidelines which are advisory and NOT mandatory. I don't think so.
debbie
April 11, 2009, 12:34pm (report abuse)It is inconceivable to think that violent offenders get less time in state prison than non-violent offenders in the federal system.I know this is true. It is time to do the right thing. Imprisonment for violent offenders is necessary. Allow non-violent people to start again and contribute to society. This will save the taxpayers millions of dollars, and will not allow hard core criminals to walk the streets. Again, it is time to do the right thing.
TysonP
(logged in user) April 12, 2009, 6:20am (report abuse)Everyone should write their representatives in support of this bill. My son was sentenced to 17.5 years for "conspiracy". As you might already know that is a crime that can't be defened against. It only takes 3 people to say you did something and you are quilty and a plea must be entered. With the manditory minimum you are in jail for atleast 10 years and mostly like longer. The system that put him there indeed failed him. This was a first time offense that was based on other people's testimony in order to get THEM off the hook and cut there time in jail. Where is the justice in that?! I truly believe that drug offenders do need to have a second chance, and if they can't have that, can't we at least give them the opportunity to be reviewed for parole? When the offence is non-violent, why are we giving out sentences that are so extensive? We can't support the prisoners we are housing as it is! PLEASE, PLEASE SUPPORT THIS BILL!
Pass it
April 12, 2009, 9:50pm (report abuse)Please pass the bill and give nonviolent offenders a chance!
traci
April 13, 2009, 1:06pm (report abuse)You can rape, murder, molest kids and get a slap on the wrist.But don't get caught with drugs, even though you're only hurting yourself.Something is VERY wrong with this picture. these men and women need to have their sentences reduced so they can get out and be with their families. Most men and women learn from the first mistake and won't do it again, unlike all the child molesters that are put back on the street to do it again.
GET IT DONE
April 13, 2009, 3:36pm (report abuse)why do first time offenders of lessor crimes get more time than MURDERS - this doesNOT make sense - WHAT is wrong with our country = PASS this bill and let's get SMART about who we imprison and who we release!!!!!!!!
Yolanda Alexis
April 14, 2009, 11:37am (report abuse)There are so many familes that are suffering from heartship with absent fathers in the home. We need these non violent offenders to be returned home to there famlies and given a second chance
Y Alexis
April 14, 2009, 2:28pm (report abuse)I vote yes!!!! the bill should pass asap, we are wasting tax payers money on people that haven't killed, raped or harmed anyone, these non-violent offenders, have served enough time, there are so many broken homes, and fatherless children that need the present of the famlies but back together..it seems so unfair that murders and child molesters recieve less time that drug convictions..Please pass this bill I support this 100%
J
April 14, 2009, 2:44pm (report abuse)Non violent offenders should be granted earlier release. We need jail space for murder's, attempt murder's,sex offenders. They need permanent jail cells.
gina h
April 14, 2009, 10:05pm (report abuse)i vote for this bill to be pass
BOHARI
April 14, 2009, 10:36pm (report abuse)I HAVE WITNESSED FIRST HAND ON TWO OCCASIONS WHERE SOMEONE WAS SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR A NON VIOLENT CRIME AND IN ONE SENTENCEING THE JUDGE DID NOT EVEN WANT TO GIVE HIM THE TIME, HE FELT IT WAS TOO HARSH BUT HE HAD NO CHOICE DUE TO THE LAWS. IF A JUDGE WHO DOES THE SENTENCING REALIZES THESE LAWS ARE TOO TOUGH, WE HAVE TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT THE SYSTEM.
Long Arm
April 14, 2009, 11:24pm (report abuse)FEDERAL PRISON IS NOT FULL OF POT SMOKING HIPPIES. THESE ARE MOSTLY PEOPLE THAT WERE SIMPLY CAUGHT BEFORE SHEDDING (MORE) BLOOD.
Reinstating Federal Parole is the way to solve this problem. Just because a crime is non-violent doesn't mean it is harmless. GET A CLUE FOLKS.
HAULING 500kilos of COCAINE in a cigarette boat to FL is NONVIOLENT. Plotting a MURDER or TERRORIST ATTACK is NONVIOLENT. STEALING RETIREMENT of INVESTORS, driving some to suicide is NONVIOLENT. AL CAPONE WAS A NON VIOLENT OFFENDER.
Each has pled guilty to save their hide or has been sentenced before a Judge & jury that heard every intricate detail of their "non-violent" crime. The board will hear the details and weigh their decision.
If they have been excessively punished, then they should file an APPEAL based on violation their 8th Ammendment rights.
A blanket act of Congress is NOT the solution at all.
tia gulley
April 15, 2009, 1:33am (report abuse)I think this bill should be passed,because some of these people are in prison for non violent crimes for 20 or more years,and i think thats terrible.I think they should be home with there familys,living life as pproductive citizens in america.
shartcake
April 15, 2009, 2:56am (report abuse)yes
mrsk
(logged in user) April 15, 2009, 9:09am (report abuse)What all of you big tough guys commenting on this bill don't realize or probably don't care about is that these guys DO NOT get their day in court. They get brow beat into accepting guilty pleas bu the Feds. Unless you find yourself thrown into this system by fate you don't realize things like there is no such thing as parole in our screwed up Federal System and the mandatory minimums are way too stiff. This system in NOT about reahbilitation and all about retribution. This bill needs to be passed. If not for any other reason than the economy. To spend $40,000/year to house non-violent criminals is a waste.
LIbby
April 15, 2009, 5:34pm (report abuse)Non violent with a mandatory minumum sentence uh doesnt that sound harsh. This bill will enable 1st time non violent offenders to come home and show to their community that they have changed. This will give tax payers a relief and help the economy. Some of the offenders deserves a second change, but with the strict Federal Laws they are given that chnage. I dont mena any disrespect to anyone but if would stop worring about passing laws for same sex marriage and start focusing on some of these issues that would help the economy..................
GD
April 15, 2009, 6:26pm (report abuse)Its really sad that some people don't see the need for this bill to pass. If you do your homework, which I have, you will find that many of those incarcerated are low level offenders. They don't tell and get more time because of it. If there aren't drug users, drug dealers are not successful. Why are we not concentrating on child molesters and rapists; those who take something away from innocent people that they can't get back. I grew up in a culture where color didn't matter-the military. I didn't know racism until I got older and had to move to the South and did numerous research papers on the disparities between sentencing of cocaine and crack offenders. It doesn't make me happy to pull the race card, but it is what it is. Although others get caught up in this travesty, the laws prey on the poor, the minorities, and the undereducated. This law needs to pass and we need to move on to cracking down on child molesters and rapists whose rate of recidivism is much higher.
Jeanniec1
April 15, 2009, 6:39pm (report abuse)Please pass this bill but it should include abolishing mandatory miminum sentences and restoring federal parole for all federal offenses
CMc
April 16, 2009, 11:35am (report abuse)This bill needs to be passed.
KELLY BORUNDA
April 16, 2009, 9:01pm (report abuse)i BELIEVE THIS BILL SHOULD PASS FOR SO MANY REASONS. DRUG OFFENDERS IN THE FEDERAL PRISONS ARE DOING MORE TIME THAN CHILD MOLESTERS IN STATE PRISON.. MY COUSINS LITTLE GIRL WAS MOLESTED AND THE MAN DID TWO YEARS, MY FRIEND WAS SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN A FEDERAL PRISON FOR CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE METH. NOW I WANT U TO KNOW THAT SHE WAS NEVER CAUGHT WITH ANY METH NO AUDIO OR VIDEO SURVEILANCE JUST TWO WRIITEN STATEMENTS BY TWO PEOPLE BEING CHARGED THAT WERE ACTUALLY CAUGHT WITH METH.. I AM NOT SAYING THAT MY FRIEND WAS A SAINT OR WHATEVER BUT 14 YEARS COME ON PEOPLE DOES THAT MAKE SENSE 2 U
nydia santillan
April 16, 2009, 9:55pm (report abuse)yes they should pass this bill for us the parents that have to be prisoner too.
darrell
April 17, 2009, 9:37am (report abuse)this is a great way to save the taxpayers money. prisons are overcrowded. some are in prison that don't deserve to be in there. some people deserve a second chance.
R Hulcher
April 17, 2009, 6:24pm (report abuse)I think this bill makes perfect since. Making a mistake doesn't take a full sentence to correct someones behavior.
LOVA
April 17, 2009, 9:40pm (report abuse)I BELIEVE NONVIOLENT OFENDERS THATS IN THE 65 AGE RANGE SHOULD HAVE A SECOND CHANCE IN SOCIETY TO BE WITH FAMILIES ITS PEOPLE OUT HERE IN SOCIETY THAT DOES MORE SERIOUS CRIMES AND STILL GET RELEASED IN A EARLIER TIME PLEASE LET THE EDERLY FREE
Ms. Pink
April 18, 2009, 7:24pm (report abuse)Please support this bill my finance is not murderer. our system is out of control!