12.18.18

Sullivan Votes Against FIRST STEP Act

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) released the following statement today after voting against the FIRST STEP Act.  The legislation would reform the federal prison system and modify several federal sentencing provisions – which may allow certain violent and drug criminals to be eligible for early release, and would reduce sentences for serious repeat drug traffickers.

First Step

Sullivan Outlines His Vote Against the FIRST STEP Act (click here or image to watch).

“While I support some of the broader tenets of criminal justice reform, I could not in good conscience vote for this bill,” said Senator Sullivan. “Given the complexities Alaska is facing with criminal justice reform, collectively known as SB91 in Alaska, along with skyrocketing crime rates and an evolving opioid and drug crisis, I cannot ignore the harsh realities Alaskans are facing by voting to reduce prison time for offenders who are compounding this crisis.”

BACKGROUND:

  • Senator Sullivan has made addressing Alaska’s opioid epidemic and crime wave a top priority.
  • In August 2016, Sullivan convened the Alaska Wellness Summit: Conquering the Opioid Crisis, an important gathering of federal, state and local community leaders dedicated to tackling the many challenges associated with the growing opioid and heroin epidemic. That summit, which largely focused on issues of addiction, recovery and community, was very productive – with hundreds of Alaskans gathering to listen, gain inspiration, learn and exchange ideas. Federal officials from several different agencies attended to hear the many obstacles Alaskans face when in recovery, as well as witness the indomitable spirit of Alaskans who have overcome those obstacles.
  • In August 2018, Sullivan held another Wellness Summit – this time focused not only on Alaska’s addiction epidemic, but on drug trafficking and the associated crime wave that is victimizing so many Alaskans. The Alaska Wellness Summit 2.0: Confronting Alaska’s Crime Wave once again feature a prominent group of federal, state and local leaders and stakeholders to build public awareness, identify opportunities for coordination and cooperation, and highlight Alaska’s unique public safety challenges with federal officials.

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