Sentencing reform

The title of your editorial (July 17) about President Obama’s historic trip to a federal prison nearly said it all: “Criminal justice reform is a worthy cause for president.” I would only add that it is an equally worthy cause for a senator — or two. After all, it’s Congress’s job to change the laws.

Unfortunately, neither of California’s two senators — Dianne Feinstein or Barbara Boxer — has cosponsored any of the leading sentencing reform bills. This is especially disappointing since reforming mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent offenders is a cause that has brought together advocates from across the political spectrum, including the Koch brothers, the NAACP, the American Conservative Union and the American Civil Liberties Union.

In Washington, D.C., tea party-favorite senators Ted Cruz and Rand Paul have joined leading Democrats, including President Obama, to support mandatory minimum sentencing reform. What are California’s senators waiting for?

This story was originally published July 28, 2015 at 8:07 AM with the headline "Sentencing reform."