Skip to main content
Tags: convicts | early | law | politicians | release | trafficking | violent
OPINION

Long-Shot First Step Act Betting Our Lives

bipartisan first step act authorizes early release and reduced sentences

(Karl Sonnenberg/Dreamstime)

Frank Gaffney By Wednesday, 19 December 2018 11:39 AM EST Current | Bio | Archive

Last night, the U.S. Senate placed a massive bet on a long shot, voting overwhelming that increasing the number of convicted felons at large in America will make the nation safer.

The bipartisan First Step Act authorizes early release and reduced sentences for convicts, including some who perpetrated violent crimes and/or engaged in inherently violent activity like trafficking lethal drugs. With senators voting 87 to 12 in favor of this bill, it is virtually certain to be swiftly rubber-stamped by the House of Representatives, as well.

I pray it will all work out as promised by the criminal justice reformers. Unfortunately, there is plenty of reason already to believe that this bet won’t pay off for law and order and for the society it preserves.

Worse yet, the politicians who are placing it are not just playing with our money.

They’re betting our lives.

Frank Gaffney, Jr. is president of the Center for Security Policy (CSP), a columnist for The Washington Times, and host of the nationally syndicated program, Secure Freedom Radio. Read more reports from Frank Gaffney, Jr. — Click Here Now.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


FrankGaffney
The First Step Act authorizes early release and reduced sentences for convicts, including some who perpetrated violent crimes and/or engaged in inherently violent activity. Politicians are betting our lives.
convicts, early, law, politicians, release, trafficking, violent
183
2018-39-19
Wednesday, 19 December 2018 11:39 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
TOP

Interest-Based Advertising | Do not sell or share my personal information

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
Download the Newsmax App
NEWSMAX.COM
America's News Page
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved