WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump urged members of Congress to pass a prison reform bill called the First Step Act that that has received bipartisan support.
The legislation reduces the enhanced penalties for certain non-violent repeat drug offenders and eliminates the three-strike mandatory life provision. Under most circumstances, it would ban restraints on pregnant prisoners, and seeks to keep prisoners closer to their families.
“Today I am thrilled to announce my support for this bipartisan bill that will make our community safer and give former inmates a second chance at life after they have served their time,” Trump said.
He thanked Jared Kushner, his son-in-law and a senior White House adviser who worked on getting the First Step Act passed in the House.
Trump urged lawmakers in both the House and Senate to “seek common ground,” and “work hard and quickly” and send him a final bill.
“I look very much forward to signing it. ... I’m waiting with a pen.”