SENATOR JERRY MORAN BECOMES NINTH GOP SENATOR TO COSPONSOR BIPARTISAN SENTENCING REFORM BILL BACKED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT
THE EQUAL ACT, SUPPORTED BY KEY CONSERVATIVE AND PUBLIC SAFETY LEADERS, WOULD FINALLY & FULLY ELIMINATE FEDERAL CRACK VS. POWDER COCAINE SENTENCING DISPARITY
Legislation Passed the House with Overwhelming 361-66 Vote, Uniting Right, Center & Left
Justice Action Network Praises Senator Moran
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Today, Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) became the ninth Republican Senator to cosponsor the EQUAL Act, a bipartisan sentencing bill that would fully and finally eliminate the federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine. The bill has strong support from law enforcement groups and prosecutors, and passed the U.S. House of Representatives by an overwhelming margin of 361-66, including 143 Republican Members of Congress. Representatives Ron Estes, Jake LaTurner, Tracy Mann, and Sharice Davids each voted in favor of the EQUAL Act, delivering the support of the entire Kansas congressional delegation.
Senator Moran’s sponsorship of the EQUAL Act was applauded by leading conservative and law enforcement organizations:
Holly Harris, President and Executive Director of the Justice Action Network:
“We applaud Senator Moran for supporting this historic measure, which would correct an injustice and advance public safety in Kansas and across the country. The EQUAL Act will help law enforcement build trust with the communities they serve, and will better direct our public safety resources. We encourage Senator Moran’s colleagues to follow his lead, support the EQUAL Act, and move our country toward a smarter, more effective justice system.”
Nelson Bunn, Executive Director, National District Attorneys Association:
“NDAA thanks Senator Jerry Moran in joining many of his colleagues in co-sponsoring the EQUAL Act. Elected prosecutors in Kansas and across the country know that promoting fairness and equity under the law by eliminating the disparity between crack and powder cocaine is in the best interest of the criminal justice system. As evidenced by the growing bipartisan support, this common sense reform will improve the ability of law enforcement to build trust with the communities they serve.”
Mark Holden, Chairman of the Board, Americans for Prosperity:
“We are thankful for Senator Moran’s willingness to support bold policies that improve our federal criminal justice system. Years of research, evidence, and experience prove that the unjust sentencing disparity ended by the EQUAL Act has done nothing to advance our country’s public safety or public health goals. We urge more Senators to support this important legislation that will ensure our federal system is more just and fair.”
Jermaine Wilson, Kansas-Based Regional Director, Prison Fellowship:
“As someone who has served time behind bars for a drug crime, I don’t take my second chance for granted—or the God-given opportunities I have to work for a more restorative, effective justice system. I am deeply grateful Senator Moran listened to my voice and will be joining this coalition to hold men and women accountable the right way and build trust between communities and law enforcement.”
Jason Pye, Director, Rule of Law Initiatives, Due Process Institute:
"Due Process Institute thanks Senator Moran for his co-sponsorship of the EQUAL Act. He serves as the ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee and, by adding his important voice to the growing bipartisan chorus of supporters of this bill, Senator Moran helps bring passage of the EQUAL Act within sight. The EQUAL Act, which would correct a truly unjust federal sentencing policy, enjoys strong support from criminal legal reform advocates, law enforcement, the faith community, and elected officials at all levels of government. We look forward to seeing it cross the finish line."
Senator Moran joins Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rob Portman (R-OH), Rand Paul (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) as cosponsors of the legislation.
The EQUAL Act has been endorsed by leading law enforcement organizations, including the National District Attorneys Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys; some of the nation’s most influential conservative groups, including Americans for Tax Reform, Americans for Prosperity, Faith and Freedom Coalition, FreedomWorks, ALEC Action, Prison Fellowship, the Due Process Institute, R Street Institute, and Taxpayers Protection Alliance.