CBC Chair Teams with Conservative Congressman on Criminal Justice Reform

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-LA) has joined forces with conservative Congressman Mark Walker (R-NC) on long-stalled efforts to revamp the nation’s criminal justice system. Walker is chairman of the House Republican Study Committee, leading the largest group of conservatives in the House -- 157 Republicans, including 17 House committee chairs. Both Congressmen agree the current criminal justice system negatively impacts families, particularly in communities of color, costs the federal government too much money, and does little to reduce the rate of recidivism. The two lawmakers met for the first time last week and began working on a criminal justice op-ed piece that they hope to have published in early December. Additionally, they hope to produce a House bill that doesn’t have the type of mandatory sentencing language seen in the past, especially when it comes to federal sentences. More here.