Press Release

For Media Inquiries:
Rabiah Burks, 202-822-6700
rburks@famm.org

FAMM Urges Congress Not to Rush Sentencing Commission Nominations

WASHINGTON – FAMM President Kevin Ring sent a letter today to Senate Judiciary Chairman Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urging them to refrain from filling vacancies on the U.S. Sentencing Commission until next year when the nominees can be properly vetted by the committee. On Wednesday, President Trump announced his intention to nominate several individuals to the Commission.

“There are less than 20 legislative days before the election,” Ring said. “That is not nearly enough time to give nominees to this important agency the thorough examination and consideration they deserve – and that the people who will be subject to the Commission’s decisions deserve.

“The U.S. Sentencing Commission is responsible for setting sentencing guidelines for all federal judges. That is an enormous responsibility. We need to make sure nominees are qualified and likely to promote trust and confidence in the Commission’s decision making.”

For nearly 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’s focus on ending a one-size-fits-all punishment structure has led to reforms to sentencing and prison policies at the state and federal level and is paving the way to programs that support rehabilitation for the 94% of all prisoners who 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 safeguard taxpayer dollars and keep our communities safe. Founded in 1991, FAMM is helping transform America’s criminal justice system by uniting the voices of impacted families and individuals and elevating the issues all across the country.