MUNUC 31: The United States Senate Senator Biographies

Transcription

1 MUNUC 31: The United States Senate Senator Biographies Richard Shelby (Alabama, R) Richard Shelby is the Senior Senator for Alabama, first elected into the Senate in Prior to his senatorial career, Shelby served in the House of Representatives for Alabama s 7th district. Shelby has often assumed positions of leadership within the Senate, including Chair of the Intelligence Committee in 2001, Chair of the Banking Committee in 2015, Chair of the Rules Committee in 2017 and presently as Chair of the Appropriations Committee since April The senator has consistently voted in a hard on drugs and hard on crime manner, and has sponsored legislation to enhance and continue funding measures to locate unregistered sex offenders and adjacent criminals for FBI databases such as the Adam Walsh Child Protection Safety Act among others. 2 Doug Jones (Alabama, D) Doug Jones is the junior senator from Alabama and began serving in January 2018 after winning a special election in 2018, defeating Roy Moore and replacing Jeff Sessions. 3 Prior to being elected senator, Jones served as the U.S. Attorney for Northern Alabama from 1997 to 2001 and later held a private law practice. 4 As Senator Jones has been in the Senate for a very short time, there is minimal past legislation to refer to to understand his positions. However, having just run for the Senate seat, he has made his stances on criminal justice clear. Jones writes While I sought harsh punishments for violent offenders as U.S. attorney, not all cases require severe sentences. My hands were tied by mandatory minimum sentences. 5 Jones has focused on strongly supporting sentencing reform and reducing sentencing disparities. 6 It remains unclear where he stands on reentry and police brutality; while his party affiliation might suggest strong support, his perspective and experience as a U.S. attorney may temper that. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska, R) Lisa Murkowski is the Senior Senator for Alaska, first joining the Senate via appointment in 2002 by her father and then Alaskan Governor, Frank Murkowski. Lisa Murkowski won the election to continue her senatorial seat first in Before appointment, Murkowski was a senator in the Alaska State Senate, and had previously been an attorney in Anchorage. She is 1 Richard Shelby. Wikipedia, September 18, Richard Shelby. On The Issues, September 18th, Doug Jones (Politician). Wikipedia, September 12, Ibid. 5 Priorities. Doug Jones for U.S. Senate (blog). Accessed September 13, Ibid.

2 deemed a very moderate Republican, and has often worked across the aisle on such issues as reproductive rights and Native American rights. 7 Murkowski has been noted as in favor of moderate reform to police and drug issues, but has opposed more radical liberal legislation on the matter. Speaking on marijuana legalization in 2014, she noted marijuana--like tobacco and alcohol--is big business. Like alcohol and tobacco, the costs of marijuana to public health, public safety, our youth and lost productivity are similarly high. Therefore [legalization] is less about freedom than it is about profit at the expense of public health ; however in 2018 she has been a cosponsor on the STATES Act (S.3032), which develops guidelines and protections for marijuana legalization bills that have been ratified by state legislation or referendum, indicating an evolving viewpoint on criminal reform. Murkowski is considered an important swing vote in many Senate debates, and is often a deciding vote in recent legislative history. 8 Dan Sullivan (Alaska, R) Dan Sullivan is the junior senator from Alaska and began serving in Prior to serving in the Senate, Sullivan was in involved in state and national government, working in the State Department under President George W. Bush, acting as Attorney General for less than a year after being appointed by Governor Sarah Palin, serving as the head of Alaska s Department of Natural Resources, and serving in the Marines. Senator Sullivan joined a bipartisan group of senators to co-sponsor the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, which aims to adjust sentencing rules and give judges more discretion. 10 He has acknowledged that incarceration has cost taxpayers billions of dollars and yet recidivism rates remain unacceptably high. 11 He is a co-sponsor on the STATES Act, which creates an exemption under the Controlled Substances Act for states that have reformed their marijuana policy, preventing unnecessary federal intervention. 12 Sullivan is also a strong supporter of police forces, having cosponsored bills that increase criminal penalties for assaulting officers and declaring a national police week. 13 That being said, Sullivan has expressed capacity to work in a bipartisan manner, and his brief experience as Attorney General gives him a strong understanding of the issues. 7 Lisa Murkowski. Wikipedia, September 18, Lisa Murkowski On The Issues, September 18, Dan Sullivan (U.S. Senator). Wikipedia, September 17, Sullivan Cosponsors Legislation to Reform Criminal Justice System U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska. Accessed September 18, Ibid. 12 Warren, Elizabeth. S th Congress ( ): STATES Act. Legislation, June 7, Sullivan, Dan. Dan Sullivan. Legislation. Accessed September 18,

3 Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona, D) Senator Sinema is the junior Senator from Arizona, a position she has held since winning the seat in the 2018 midterm elections. 14 She previously served in the US House of Representatives, as well as both chambers of the Arizona legislature. 15 Sinema is very centrist, and votes about half the time with Republicans. 16 While she hasn t taken many stances on criminal justice issues, she has supported legislation that would make it easier for prosecutors to seek the death penalty for crimes against officers of the law, 17 and has been ranked as being tough on crime by the National Associations for Police Organizations. 18 That being said, she is a democrat, and could be pressured to vote with the party. Martha McSally (Arizona, R) Martha McSally is the junior Senator of Arizona, having just been appointed after Jon Kyl announced his retirement. 19 She previously served in the House of Representatives, and was a combatant in the Air Force earlier on in her life. 20 McSally has not taken many positions on criminal justice reform, but did sponsor and pass her own bill in the House addressing the lack of mental health resources in communities, especially for offenders attempting to reenter society. 21 She votes conservatively, but also shows potential to work in a bipartisan fashion. 14 Kyrsten Sinema. Wikipedia, November 26, Ibid. 16 Farzan, Antonia Noori. Kyrsten Sinema, Allegedly a Democrat, Still Votes With Trump Half the Time. Phoenix New Times, September 28, Ibid. 18 Kyrsten Sinema on Crime. Accessed November 27, Martha McSally. Wikipedia, December 20, Ibid. 21 House Passes U.S. Rep. McSally Mental Health Legislation. Congresswoman Martha McSally, November 30,

4 John Boozman (Arkansas, R) John is the Senior Senator for Arkansas, and was elected to the Senate in He initially joined the House in a special election after Asa Hutchinson s 2002 appointment to the DEA. Boozman is a optometrist by trade, and served on a Public School Board before his first congressional term. His elder brother, Fay Boozman, was also an Arkansas State Senator. 22 While Boozman s senatorial career has been fairly short thus far, he has been supportive of capital punishment, and while in the House supported truth in sentencing which would minimize opportunity of parole to perpetrators of certain crimes. 23 Boozman is an especially vocal supporter of the increased use of specialized Drug Courts. Speaking on the matter, Senator Boozman noted We have nearly 90 specialty courts in Arkansas that are providing life-saving treatment to more than three thousand individuals with substance use disorders. And the results are impressive. Our state saves $45 million each year by diverting these offenders from prison to drug courts. 90 percent of Arkansas drug court participants drug tests come back negative for illegal substances, compared to 64 percent of those on probation and parole. 24 Tom Cotton (Arkansas, R) Tom Cotton is the Junior Senator for Arkansas and began serving there in Prior, he served one two year term in the House of Representatives and was a captain in the US Army. 26 Tom Cotton arguably holds the most anti-reform views of any members of the Senate. He was quoted as saying: First, the claim that too many criminals are being jailed, that there is overincarceration, ignores an unfortunate fact: for the vast majority of crimes, a perpetrator is never identified or arrested, let alone prosecuted, convicted, and jailed...if anything, we have an underincarceration problem." 27 He is critical of effort to reform sentencing guidelines, in favor of felon disenfranchisement laws, and while he recognizes the need to investigate instances of excessive force by the police, he cautions against demoniz[ing] law enforcement whenever force is 22 John Boozman. Wikipedia, September 18, John Boozman Wikipedia, September 18th, Boozman Recognizes the Positive Influence of Arkansas Drug Courts. John Boozman, United States Senator for Arkansas, September 18, Tom Cotton. Wikipedia, September 10, Ibid. 27 Gass, Nick. Sen. Tom Cotton: U.S. Has under-incarceration Problem. POLITICO. Accessed September 18,

5 used. 28 Senator Cotton may have views that differ from many of his colleagues, but he is outspoken about them nonetheless. Dianne Feinstein (California, D) Dianne Feinstein is the Senior Senator for California. Feinstein assumed her Senate seat in 1992 after winning a special election. Before then, Senator Feinstein was a prominent Democratic politician in California, serving as the Mayor of San Francisco in 1978 to 1988 and had ran unsuccessfully for the California governorship in She is presently the longest serving woman in the Senate. 29 Her past voting record places her as one of the more conservative members of her party regarding criminal reform, having often voted to increase sentences and limiting appeals processes, 30 but she is notably now a cosponsor on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, introduced initially as S.2123 but reintroduced as S.1917 with additional sponsors. The SRCA includes a number of sentence revisions, limits solitary confinement, and requires the Bureau of Prisons improve its anti-recidivism programming. 31 Kamala Harris (California, D) Kamala Harris is the Junior Senator from California and has held this position since As a member of the Judiciary Committee, the former Attorney General of California, and a former prosecutor, Harris is familiar with the criminal justice system and is a strong advocate for reform. 33 Harris has long advocated for improving reentry and job training programs to better equip incarcerated people to succeed upon release. 34 As the AG of California, Harris led the states justice department to begin having law enforcement officials use body cameras and increasingly undergo anti-bias training. 35 While originally against marijuana legalisation, her stance has shifted to support it full heartedly, as evidenced by her signing onto Senator Cory Booker s Marijuana Justice Act. 36 While some critics on the left have criticized her record and 28 Ibid. 29 Dianne Feinstein. Wikipedia, September 18, Dianne Feinstein. On The Issues, September 18, S Sess. of 2015, Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of Kamala Harris. Wikipedia, September 17, Ibid. 34 The Two Faces of Kamala Harris. Accessed September 18, Ibid. 36 CNN, Daniella Diaz. Harris to Back Booker Bill to Legalize Marijuana. CNN. Accessed September 18,

6 claimed her stances on criminal justice are politically convenient, on the topics up for debate in this committee, she is strongly committed to reform. 37 Michael Bennet (Colorado, D) Michael Bennet was elected the Senior Senator for Colorado after his 2009 appointment to the seat. In his previous employment, Bennet has worked as the Superintendent of Denver Public Schools, the Denver Mayoral Chief of Staff, and a Director in Anschutz Investment Company. 38 In line with Colorado State policy, Senator Bennet has indicated and legislated with liberal position toward police and especially drug reform. 39 He was an initial sponsor of S.1726, which created federal protection and processing for financial institutions involved with state-legitimized marijuana firms, helping to create safe financial instruments to deal with the new industry. 40 In 2010, Bennet was the lead sponsor of S.3278 the Meth Project Prevention Campaign Grant Program Act which sought to reduce drug usage through state grant funding for preventative media campaigns. 41 Cory Gardner (Colorado, R) Cory Gardner is the Junior Senator of Colorado, a position he has held since Prior to being a senator, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Colorado House of Representatives. 43 As the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, he is the 6th highest ranking republican in the senate. 44 Hailing from Colorado, a state that has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, Gardner is an advocate for marijuana reform on the federal level, allowing states to determine their own policies. 45 Correspondingly, he has co-sponsored the STATES Act with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D), which increases states rights in regard to 37 The Two Faces of Kamala Harris. Accessed September 18, Michael Bennet. Wikipedia, September 18, Michael Bennet. On The Issues, September 18, S. 1726, Sess. of 2015, Marijuana Businesses Access to Banking Act of S. 3278, Sess. of 2010, Meth Project Prevention Campaign Act of Cory Gardner. Wikipedia, September 9, Ibid. 44 Ibid. 45 Aiello, Chloe. Senators Gardner and Warren Release Bipartisan Marijuana Bill, June 7,

7 marijuana legislation. 46 Gardner has introduced a bill in the Senate to equip all police officers in the country with higher quality body armor that protects against more types of bullets. 47 Richard Blumenthal (Connecticut, D) Richard Blumenthal has been the Senior Senator for Connecticut since Blumenthal has been a State Senator and State representative as well, most notable for his long tenure as the Attorney General of Connecticut from 1991 to In this position, Blumenthal successfully brought legal proceedings before such groups as the Tobacco Industry, Microsoft, the ACC, and Craigslist. During his Senate tenure he has sat in the Armed Services, Judiciary, Health, Education, and Labor committees. 48 Senator Blumenthal has been an outspoken critic of mass incarceration measures, and has submitted pending legislations such as the Reverse Mass Incarceration Act of 2017 which would eliminate incentives of states to create additional prison complexes. 49 Chris Murphy (Connecticut, D) Chris Murphy began serving in the Senate in 2013 as the junior Senator from Connecticut. 50 Previously, he served in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as both branches of Connecticut s state congress. 51 In the realm of criminal justice reform, Murphy has taken vocal stances on gun violence prevention and reform within the juvenile justice system, focusing on diverting juveniles from the justice system and creating more lenient punishment systems. 52 Murphy has openly supported medical marijuana and has encouraged the reclassification of marijuana to allow for further medical research, but has not advocated for legalisation or decriminalization. 53 Murphy supports the Smarter Sentencing Act Ibid. 47 Gardner to Introduce Body Armor Bill to Protect Law Enforcement Officers U.S. Senator Cory Gardner of Colorado. Accessed September 19, Richard Blumenthal. Wikipedia.org Less Crime, Fewer Prisoners New Senate Bill Creates Incentives to Reduce mass Incarceration. Brennancenter.org Chris Murphy. Wikipedia, September 9, Ibid. 52 Juvenile Justice Reform U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut. Accessed September 19, Aug 9, Melissa Sherrard, 2018 Learn, and Politics. Marijuana on the Midterms: Where Chris Murphy (D-CT) Stands on Cannabis Legalization. Civilized, August 9, Murphy, Christopher. Christopher Murphy. Legislation. Accessed September 19,

8 Tom Carper (Delaware, D) Tom Carper is the senior senator for Delaware, a position he has held since Beginning his professional career as a Naval Aviator during the Vietnam War, Carper initially joined politics as the State treasurer of Delaware in He then served five terms as the single House Representative for Delaware and two terms as the state governor before taking his senate seat. Carper s primary engagement with the criminal justice system has been his consistent advocacy for the decreasing of lower crime sentencing, and the harsher punishment of violent crime. Especially in his time as governor, Carper pushed neighborhood-specific, targeted anti-crime programs in afflicted neighborhoods, as well as the creation of new facilities to imprison specifically violent offenders. 55 Chris Coons (Delaware, D) Chris Coons has served as the junior Senator from Delaware since Before, he served as County Executive for New Castle County. Senator Coons is the co-chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, and believes in supporting police forces while also reforming the criminal justice system, especially in regards to sentencing policy. 57 Indeed, Senator Coons is a cosponsor on the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of While he has advocated for increased research on the medical values of marijuana, he has not advocated for decriminalization or legalisation. 59 Rick Scott (Florida, R) Rick Scott was elected junior Senator of Florida in the 2018 election. Previously, he served as the Governor of Florida for two terms, after winning elections in 2010 and Scott primarily holds a hard on drugs stance, but did sign a law in 2014 to allow medical use of Charlotte s Web, a specific non-euphoric strain of marijuana. 61 One of his gubernatorial campaign promises was to require drug testing for welfare recipients because, as he told CNN s T.J. Holmes "Studies show that people that are on welfare are higher users of drugs than people 55 Tom Carper on Crime. Ontheissues.org Chris Coons. Wikipedia, September 9, Law Enforcement U.S. Senator Christopher Coons of Delaware. Accessed September 19, Grassley, Chuck. S th Congress ( ): Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of Webpage, October 26, Chen, Angela. Senator Introduces Bill to Make It Easier to Do Medical Marijuana Research. The Verge, September 13, Rick Scott. Wikipedia, November 28, Rick Scott on Drugs. Accessed December 1,

9 not on welfare, but his law was ultimately declared unconstitutional by a federal court. 62 On the topic of reentry, Scott signed a law in 2011 requiring ex-felons to wait five years before even applying to the government for restoration of their voting rights, a process that generally takes over a decade to go through. 63 Marco Rubio (Florida, R) Marco Rubio is the senior Senator of Florida and has served in this position since 2011; prior, he served in the Florida House of Representatives and was the Speaker of the House. 64 Rubio is fairly resistant to drug policy reform, stating in 2015, I personally believe that legalizing drugs would be a great mistake and that any reductions in sentences for drug crimes should be made with great care. 65 However, he has expressed openness to the usage of marijuana for medicinal purposes with oversight from the FDA. 66 Rubio has cosponsored legislation seeking to increase penalties for violence against police officers. 67 Johnny Isakson (Georgia, R) Isakson is the Senior senator for Georgia, serving in this capacity since Initially a real estate company president, Isakson has represented constituencies in Georgia in both state legislatures, the House of Representatives, and now the Senate. Senator Isakson holds mixed stances towards criminal reform. He has noted his preference for early intervention and social programming to fight drug crime among youth, as his own grandson died to an opioid overdose. 68 However, his voting record includes increased measures for juvenile prosecution and sentencing and well as protection for the current prison paradigm as opposed to alternative sentencing possibilities Rick Scott Says Welfare Recipients Are More Likely to Use Illicit Drugs PolitiFact Florida. Accessed December 1, Second Chances? Not in Rick Scott s Florida - Orlando Sentinel. Accessed December 1, Marco Rubio. Wikipedia, September 17, How Rubio s Stance on Drug Laws Stands out in GOP Presidential Field. Washington Post. Accessed September 19, Author, James Greenman . Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio about Marijuana Legalization. MarijuanaReform.Org (blog), March 1, Cornyn, John. S th Congress ( ): Back the Blue Act of Webpage, May 16, Johnny Isakson opens up about family s tragic loss. TheHill..com Johnny Isakson on Crime. Ontheissues.org.

10 David Perdue (Georgia, R) David Perdue is the junior Senator of Georgia, a position he has held since Before serving in Congress, Perdue was a businessman, working for several firms and businesses throughout his career. 71 Perdue strongly spoke out against bipartisan efforts to reform sentencing policy, siding with republicans who favored a tough on crime approach. 72 Perdue has indicated he might be open to medical usage of marijuana. 73 Perdue has cosponsored legislation seeking to increase penalties for violence against police officers. 74 Brian Schatz (Hawaii, D) Brian Schatz is the senior Senator of Hawaii and has served in this position since Before serving in the Senate, Senator Schatz served in the Hawaii House of Representatives, was the chairman of the Hawaii Democratic Party, and was Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. 76 Schatz has supported reentry programs through legislation encouraging colleges to remove questions about criminal and juvenile records in applications. 77 He has suggested that programs that use punishment other than incarceration for non-violent offenses could be beneficial. 78 Senator Schatz has co-sponsored legislation that would reclassify some low-level felonies as misdemeanors and eliminate the sentencing disparities between cocaine and crack cocaine. 79 Additionally, he cosponsored a bill to stop arming police forces throughout the country with military equipment David Perdue. Wikipedia, September 17, Ibid. 72 Tom Cotton Leads the Right-Wing Charge to Kill Criminal-Justice Reform, the One Bipartisan Initiative Still Possible. Daily Intelligencer. Accessed September 19, Peyser, Eve, and Matt Taylor. Does Your Senator Think Weed Should Be Legal? Vice (blog), April 23, Cornyn, John. S th Congress ( ): Back the Blue Act of Webpage, May 16, Brian Schatz. Wikipedia, September 7, Ibid. 77 Schatz Introduces New Legislation To Encourage Colleges To Remove Criminal And Juvenile Record Questions From Admissions Applications U.S. Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii. Accessed September 19, Brian Schatz on Crime. Accessed September 19, Host, Van Jones. GOP Hopefuls Should Talk about Prison Reform (Opinion). CNN. Accessed September 19, Paul, Rand. S th Congress ( ): Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act. Webpage, September 25,

11 Mazie Hirono (Hawaii, D) Mazie Hirono is the junior senator for Hawaii, elected as recently as Senator Hirono represents a first in many ways: she is the first female Hawaiian senator, the first Buddhist senator, the first to be born in Japan, and the very first East-Asian American woman elected to the Senate. Previously, she has served as a congressional representative for Hawaii, and as the state s Lieutenant Governor. 81 While campaigning, Hirono has referred to mandatory sentences as wasteful, and has backed legislation such as H.R.1593 the Second Chance Act of 2007, which sought to increase government services for offenders reentry to society, indicating her staunchly liberal attitudes toward criminal reform. 82 Mike Crapo (Idaho, R) Mike serves as the senior senator for Idaho, initially elected in A graduate of Harvard Law, he began his professional career as lawyer in Idaho Falls, before joining the House of representatives in Crapo is notable as one of the first Mormon congressman to hail from outside Utah. Presently Senator Crapo serves as the chair of the Senate Banking Committee. As a House representative, Crapo consistently supported conservative measures of criminal reform, including enhancing police response and protecting self defense clauses. 83 In addition, Senator Crapo has suggested that the route to reducing gun crime is the expansion of mental healthcare provision. 84 Jim Risch (Idaho, R) James (Jim) Risch is the junior Senator of Idaho, a position he has held since He has also served as both Governor and Lieutenant Governor of Idaho. 86 Risch used to teach criminal law, so he is familiar with the justice system. 87 Risch is a strong believer in law and order a phrase typically used by those that are tough on crime. 88 He has opposed sentencing reform ardently, 81 Mazie Hirono. Wikipedia.org Mazie Hirono on Crime. Ontheissues.org Member Mike Crapo. Congress.gov. +and+law+enforcement%22%7d 84 Mike Crapo. Wikipedia.org Jim Risch. Wikipedia, September 5, Ibid. 87 Biography - James E Risch, U.S. Senator for Idaho. Accessed September 19, Picard, Joe. Criminal Justice Reform: Why Hasn t More Been Done? Text. TheHill, March 2,

12 along with Senators Perdue and Cotton. 89 Risch has cosponsored legislation seeking to increase penalties for violence against police officers. 90 Dick Durbin (Illinois, D) Dick Durbin is the senior senator for Illinois, a seat he gained in Alongside his senatorial role, he serves as the Assistant Democratic Party leader and the Minority Whip. Before his political career, Durbin served as legal counsel on behalf of Illinois. Durbin is a co-sponsor of the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act alongside Chuck Grassley, which seeks to address mass incarceration concerns and reduce recidivism. The Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee, and is pending further debate. 91 Even more recently, Durbin has joined Grassley again with proposal of the First Step Act (S.3649) which seeks to complement the SRCA, and has been endorsed by President Trump as a bipartisan measure toward criminal reform. 92 Tammy Duckworth (Illinois, D) Tammy Duckworth is the junior Senator of Illinois, and has held that position since She previously served in the House of Representatives, and prior to holding elected office she worked in the US Department of Veteran Affairs after serving in the US Army as a lieutenant colonel. 94 Duckworth has introduced legislation to require independent and impartial investigations into law enforcement officials use of deadly force and has been a strong advocate for comprehensive sentencing reform, ban the box initiatives and Federal investments in additional training for law enforcement, according to her website. 95 She has also tackled issues of recidivism in creative ways, attempting to improve policies in a way that allows inmate to maintain connection with family members, a policy that has been shown to reduce recidivism Ibid. 90 Toomey, Pat. S th Congress ( ): Thin Blue Line Act. Webpage, May 10, Judiciary Committee Advances Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act. Durbin.senate.ov Senators Unveil Revised Bipartisan Prison Sentencing Legislation. Durbin.senate.gov. prison-sentencing-legislation- 93 Tammy Duckworth. Wikipedia, September 18, Ibid. 95 Civil Rights, Criminal Justice Reform and Gun Safety U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. Accessed September 20, Ibid.

13 Mike Braun (Indiana, R) Mike Braun was elected in 2018 to become the junior senator from Indiana. 97 Previously, he served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 2014 to 2017, but his recent senate campaign stressed his outsider businessman background. 98 During a debate prior to the 2018 election Braun stated that he is in favor of medical marijuana because he views the issue in regards to free markets and freedom of choice for a citizen. 99 Regarding reentry and rehabilitation, police brutality, and other drugs, Braun has not yet explicitly declared a stance. However, his position is likely solidly conservative based on his campaign goals aligning with those of President Trump. 100 Todd Young (Indiana, R) Todd Young is the junior senator from Indiana. He is one of the Senate s most recent additions, having won his seat just in Before that, Young was a House Representative for Indiana. Senator Young initially graduated from the US Naval Academy, and after service with the Marine Corps completed his MBA at the University of Chicago through night classes. 101 Young has become a vocal proponent for the First Step Act put forth by Grassley and Durbin in his short tenure. 102 Chuck Grassley (Iowa, R) Chuck Grassley is the senior Senator from Iowa, a position he was first elected to in 1980, making him one of the most senior members of the senate 103 He previously served in the US House of Representatives, and the Iowa House of Representatives. 104 As chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Chair of the Senate Narcotics Caucus, he has been very involved in debates surrounding criminal justice reform. 105 Grassley has spearheaded bipartisan reform efforts, most notably the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of He has stated that Over time, sentencing reform, coupled with reentry programs, can help to reduce crime, [and] 97 Mike Braun - Wikipedia. Accessed December 1, Ibid. 99 GOP Senate Candidates Voice Support For Medical Marijuana, But Voted Against It Marijuana Moment. Accessed December 1, Issues Mike Braun for Indiana. Accessed December 1, About. Young.senate.gov Young, Indiana Groups Support Bipartisan Criminal Justice reform Legislation. Young.senate.gov Chuck Grassley. Wikipedia, September 17, Ibid. 105 Ibid. 106 Hatch Endorses Grassley s Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act Chuck Grassley. Accessed September 20,

14 shrink the prison population, as well as provide more resources to law enforcement agencies. 107 However, Grassley has also stated that he agrees with Attorney General Jeff Sessions decision to instruct prosecutors to strictly enforce marijuana laws, 108 and in 2016 stated that he opposed moving marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug, based on the current science on the risks and benefits. 109 Joni Ernst (Iowa, R) Joni Ernst is the junior Senator from Iowa, and began serving in She is a combat veteran, and prior to serving in the U.S. Senate was in the Iowa Senate. 111 Ernst has sided with her fellow Iowa Senator, Chuck Grassley, on sentencing reform and signed on to the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of She is similarly against marijuana legalisation, and in 2014 stated that she was against medical marijuana as well. 113 Pat Roberts (Kansas, R) Pat Roberts is the serving senior senator for Kansas, initially elected in Senator Roberts is the present Chairman of Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. Previously a Marine and a newspaper reporter, Roberts served eight terms in the House of Representatives before joining the Senate. He is notable as one of the Senate s strongest proponents of the Death penalty. He has supported broadening the death penalty and imposing truth in sentencing, and has voted against expansions of appeals to the death penalty. Furthermore, Roberts during campaign speeches has noted an interest in expanding law enforcement, and improving educational resources for officers. 114 Jerry Moran (Kansas, R) Jerry Moran serves as the other senator for Kansas as junior to Pat Roberts. He first took office in 2011, and had previously served as a House Representative and state Attorney 107 Ibid. 108 Service, Mike Brownlee / World-Herald News. Sen. Chuck Grassley Talks DACA, Marijuana and More in Council Bluffs. Omaha.com. Accessed September 20, Peyser, Eve, and Matt Taylor. Does Your Senator Think Weed Should Be Legal? Vice (blog), April 23, Joni Ernst. Wikipedia, September 17, Ibid. 112 Iowa s Joni Ernst among Senators Joining Criminal Justice Reform Bill Sheffield Press and Pioneer Enterprise. Accessed September 20, Peyser, Eve, and Matt Taylor. Does Your Senator Think Weed Should Be Legal? Vice (blog), April 23, Pat Roberts on Crime. Ontheissues.org.

15 General. 115 Senator Moran presently is the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee for Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, putting him in constant engagement with questions of Justice expansion. Supporting Grassley and Durbin, Moran is a cosponsor to the Bipartisan efforts the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, and recently joined the additional effort with the First Step Act. The combination of these bills seeks to improve fairness of drug sentencing and improve offender reentry, and incorporates lessons Moran learned as the Kansas Attorney General. 116 Mitch McConnell (Kentucky, R) Mitch McConnell is the Senate Majority Leader and the senior Senator of Kentucky; he been in the senate since 1984, and began Senate Majority Leader in 2015 after being Minority Leader since McConnell has indicated that he supports the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, and hopes to call it to a vote after the midterm elections. 118 However, McConnell has stated that he will not support the legalization of marijuana. 119 McConnell has recognized the issue of police brutality, but has cautioned against blanket condemnation of law enforcement officials. 120 Rand Paul (Kentucky, R) Rand Paul is the junior senator for Kentucky, serving alongside Mitch McConnell. A ophthalmologist by trade, Mr. Paul has been a notable member of national politics as a leader of the Tea Party movement, a previous Republic presidential Primary candidate, and son of libertarian politician Ron Paul. Senator Paul is particularly outspoken regarding criminal reform. Alongside democrats Elizabeth Warren and Cory Gardner, Paul cosponsored the STATES Act which would recognize and protect the legalization of cannabis in state law against federal interference.in addition, Senator Paul is working alongside Senator Kamala Harris, herself a former state Attorney General, to push the Pretrial Integrity and Safety Act. This Act would offer 115 Jerry Moran Wikipedia.org Sen. Moran Sponsor Bipartisan prison, Sentencing Reform Legislation. Moran.senate.gov Mitch McConnell. Wikipedia, September 12, McConnell Commits to Moving Forward on Criminal Justice Bill after Midterms. Axios. Accessed September 20, Thomsen, Jacqueline. McConnell: I Won t Support Legalizing Marijuana. Text. TheHill, May 8, McConnell Pressed on Black Lives Matter Issue. The Courier-Journal. Accessed September 20,

16 reforms and funds to allow states and Native American Nations reform their bail systems, and fight the growing prominence of algorithmic sentencing. Bill Cassidy (Louisiana, R) Bill serves as the senior senator for Louisiana, beginning his senatorial tenure in Cassidy served in two other legislative positions previously, both as a House Representative for Louisiana and as a member for the Louisiana State Senate. Cassidy was the first Republican elected to his seat since the In his relatively short senate career, he has not been vocal on criminal justice reform specifically, being notable instead for his work alongside Lindsey Graham on healthcare. He has signed on behind the bipartisan First Step Act, notably in disagreement with fellow Louisiana politician John Kennedy. 124 John Kennedy (Louisiana, R) John Kennedy has been the junior Senator of Louisiana since 2017, prior to which he was the treasurer of Louisiana since As a state, Louisiana is often termed the incarceration capital of the nation, having been the state with the highest incarceration rate until recently. 126 Kennedy has been critical of the state reforms advanced by the Governor of Louisiana, stating that they have had a negative impact on public safety. 127 Kennedy has openly considered running for Governor in 2019, but has not yet announced his intentions. 128 Kennedy has supported the practice of stop and frisk, which many consider prone to police abuse and bias. 129 He is strongly opposed to marijuana legalization. 130 Kennedy has cosponsored legislation seeking to increase penalties for violence against police officers STATES Act. Wikipedia.org rand Paul and Kamala Harris Team up to Reform Bail Practices. NBCnews.com John Kennedy (Louisiana Politician). Wikipedia, September 7, Watkins, Wallis. Senator Kennedy Blasts Criminal Justice Reforms Ahead of Governor's Meeting With President Trump. Accessed September 21, Ibid. 128 Ibid. 129 Kennedy, John. Stop-and-Frisk Allows Police Officers to Do Their Job Sen. John Kennedy. NOLA.com, February 28, Public Notes on 16AFA_Q19. Accessed September 21, Toomey, Pat. S th Congress ( ): Thin Blue Line Act. Webpage, May 10,

17 Susan Collins (Maine, R) Senator Collins serves as Maine s Senior Senator, and has held her seat since She is the only Republican representing a New England State, and has incredibly never missed a single vote in her 22 year senatorial career. 132 Collins voting record places her as an unusually moderate republican, and is often found as a critical vote. Her interactions with criminal justice reform ascribe to a clear agenda stronger support for law enforcement and sentencing, but the diminishment of capital punishment. Specifically, she sponsored S.233 and S.486 (The Innocence Protection Act of 2001) to raise the level of evidence required to invoke the death penalty. Collins also sponsored the Recidivism Reduction and Second Chance Act of 2007 (S1060) which expanded reentry services for offenders to reduce recidivism. 133 Angus King (Maine, I) Angus King is the junior Senator from Maine, and has held that position since He previously served as the Governor of Maine, and was a lecturer at Bowdoin College. 135 He is one of only two independent members of the Senate, but caucuses with Democrats. 136 King has expressed support for the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015, and previously cosponsored the Smarter Sentencing Reform Act,which provided alternatives to mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses. 137 King also cosponsored the Second Chance Act Reauthorization, which provided funding for programs to aid in prisoner reentry. 138 Ben Cardin (Maryland, D) Ben Cardin is the senior senator for Maryland, and has held his seat since Previously, he served as a House Representative for Maryland, and as a representative in the Maryland House of Delegates. In over fifty years of political office, Cardin has never lost an election. He is among the bipartisan sponsors of the First Step Act proposed by Grassley and Durbin, and has reintroduced S.3195, the Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, which focuses on accountability and community trust Cardin was also a cosponsor on the Innocence Protection Act, mandating DNA evidence at harshest sentencings Ibid. 135 Ibid. 136 Ibid. 137 King Cosponsors Bipartisan Criminal Justice Reform Legislation. Accessed September 21, Ibid

18 Chris Van Hollen (Maryland, D) Chris Van Hollen serves alongside Ben Cardin as junior senator for Maryland. Originally born in Pakistan, Van Hollen was previously a House Representative for Maryland. Within the DNC, he has chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and presently chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. 142 The senator s voting record is generally tough on crime, but he has also been instrumental in certain reforms such as his sponsorship of the Second Chance Act (S.1060/H.R.1593). 143 Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts, D) Elizabeth Warren has served in the Senate since 2013, and is the senior Senator from Massachusetts. 144 Before serving in the Senate, Warren was a law professor who had worked in Washington D.C. in certain appointed positions relating to financial regulation. 145 Warren is the sponsor of the bipartisan STATES act which seeks to put regulation of marijuana in the hands of the states as opposed to the federal government. 146 Warren stated in 2018 that the hard truth about our criminal justice system: It s racist I mean front to back. 147 She specifically identified voter disenfranchisement and interactions with law enforcements as areas in need of reform. 148 Ed Markey (Massachusetts, D) Ed Markey is the junior Senator of Massachusetts and began serving in this position in He previously represented Massachusetts 7th district in the House of Representatives; between the House and the Senate, Markey has served 41 years in Congress. 150 Markey has introduce legislation to help individuals who are incarcerated in their reentry by facilitating their enrollment in Medicaid upon release. 151 Markey has stated that while we must show respect for law enforcement officers and the service they provide, Americans must not accept discriminatory racial profiling, targeted traffic stops and other unconstitutional law enforcement Elizabeth Warren. Wikipedia, September 19, Ibid. 146 Warren, Elizabeth. S th Congress ( ): STATES Act. Legislation, June 7, Press, Associated. Warren: Criminal Justice System Is Racist Front to Back. New York Post (blog), August 4, Ibid. 149 Ed Markey. Wikipedia, September 9, Ibid. 151 Senator Markey and Rep. Scott Introduce Legislation to Help Expand Access to Health Care, Including Opioid Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery Services. Senator Ed Markey. Accessed September 21,