Morris Leader

Washington, DC — Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) testified before the House Rules Committee yesterday to advocate for the bipartisan Eliminating a Quantifiably Unjust Application of the Law (EQUAL) Act. This bipartisan amendment to the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will eliminate the federal crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and allow judges to make adjustments for those convicted under the prior sentencing guidelines. 

Watch Rep. Sherrill’s Testimony Here

“As the former Outreach and Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s office in New Jersey, I saw firsthand how disparities between crack and cocaine sentencing guidelines unfairly target communities of color. I’m introducing the EQUAL Act amendment to right this wrong. With this legislation, we can inch closer to ensuring that equality and justice is a reality for every American” said Rep. Sherrill. 

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Sherrill helped write the text of the NDAA during last month’s committee markup. The bill is now coming under consideration by the entire House, which requires the Rules Committee to determine which new amendments are found in order and can be debated on the House floor. 

Below are her remarks as delivered:

I also want to share with the committee my support for Amendment 593, the EQUAL Act, which works to eliminate federal sentencing disparities between crack and powder cocaine. Last Congress, this commonsense reform gained broad bipartisan support. I urge the Committee to allow for its consideration by the House as part of the NDAA.

As the former Outreach and Reentry Coordinator at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, I saw firsthand how disparities between crack and cocaine sentencing guidelines unfairly target communities of color. 

I’m introducing the EQUAL Act amendment to eliminate this disparity once and for all. Our nation was built on the principles of equality and justice for all. With this legislation, we can end one of the most race targeted disparities in the sentencing guidelines. Thank you Mr. Chairman, and I yield back.

Original source can be found here