July 9, 2009
Dear FAMM supporters --
We have exciting news! Next Tuesday, FAMM's president, Julie Stewart, will testify in Congress about mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Julie will tell Congress that it's time to demonstrate the courage of their convictions and repeal mandatory minimums!
The hearing is important because it puts on the table once more - hopefully for the last time - why mandatory minimum sentencing laws don't work and need to be repealed. We have 20 years of evidence to back us up, and each of the three bills being considered at the hearing would improve the situation. Of course, the hearing is just the first step in getting these bills passed - change moves slowly in Washington, D.C.
The bills are: H.R. 2934, the "Common Sense in Sentencing Act of 2009"; H.R. 834, the "Ramos and Compean Justice Act of 2009"; and H.R. 1466, the "Major Drug Trafficking Prosecution Act of 2009."
The hearing, held by the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security will take place on July 14th, at 10:30 a.m. in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and is open to the public. If you are unable to attend the hearing, it will be webcast on the House Judiciary website: http://judiciary.house.gov/hearings/calendar.html
If you come to the hearing, look for me or Julie and say hello!
Sincerely --
Jennifer
Jennifer Seltzer Stitt
Director of Federal Legislative Affairs
Sentences that Fit. Justice that Works.