DC

For Media Inquiries:
Tripp Laino, 202-999-4273
tlaino@famm.org

FAMM releases statement after President Biden promises to sign bill blocking update to DC’s criminal code

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring released the following statement following President Biden’s statement that he would not veto legislation overturning DC’s criminal code update:

“We’re deeply disappointed by President Biden’s statement,” Ring said. “The bill to reform DC’s criminal code was a thoughtfully planned update of a woefully outdated code. It took 16 years to reach its current form, and included smart reforms like expanding DC’s second look law and eliminating nearly all of the district’s counterproductive mandatory minimums. If the revision is nullified, DC will continue to be governed by a code that hasn’t been reviewed since before the Model T.”

FAMM testified in favor of the code changes in 2021, and has supported the process of updating the code.

For more than three decades, FAMM has united the voices of affected families, the formerly incarcerated, and a range of stakeholders and advocates to fight for a more fair and effective justice system. FAMM has led the fight to reform extreme mandatory sentencing laws and to promote rehabilitation and dignity for all people in prison, 94 percent of whom will return to our neighborhoods one day.

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FAMM is a national nonpartisan advocacy organization that promotes fair and effective criminal justice policies that safely reduce incarceration, save taxpayer dollars, and keep families together. Founded in 1991, FAMM has secured bold sentencing and prison reform across the country while elevating the voices of directly impacted individuals and families.