The Senate passed a criminal justice reform bill called the First Step Act with wide bipartisan support in a 87-12 vote on Tuesday night. But those opposing the bill, including prominent Republican senators like Tom Cotton (R-AK), Ben Sasse (R-NE), and Marco Rubio (R-FL), are warning that the legislation would allow child molesters and violent felons eligibility for early release, threatening public safety.
“While the bill has marginally improved from earlier versions, I’m disappointed my amendments to exclude child molesters from early release and to protect victims’ rights were not adopted,” Sen. Cotton said in a statement released Wednesday. “I also remain concerned that reducing sentences for drug traffickers and violent felons is a threat to public safety.”
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