Momentum for the EQUAL Act Keeps Growing

By Josh Mitman

We have seen some major progress recently in federal sentencing reform: on Wednesday, July 21, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee voted by a landslide to pass the EQUAL Act. And then, even more joy came our way. FAMM was lucky enough to bring impacted families to DC to fight for the bill, alongside other bills that would make the sentencing reforms of the First Step Act retroactive.

The EQUAL Act would finally and completely end the federal sentencing disparity between powder and crack cocaine, and would apply the change retroactively. The bill was approved by the House Judiciary Committee with an overwhelming vote — 36 to 5. It was supported by members from across the political spectrum, from very liberal Democrats to very conservative Republicans. This is a great sign that the EQUAL Act has significant support in the House. We’re hopeful that the EQUAL Act will be one of the first things the entire House takes a look at when it comes back to work in September.

Then, two weeks ago, almost 40 people who have seen the impact of the crack cocaine disparity or the lack of First Step Act retroactivity made the case for reform to members of Congress. We had a lot of successful meetings, and families who came told some memorable stories. Lawmakers and staff that we met with were visibly moved, some to tears.

One attendee, Dejarion Echols, had received a 20-year mandatory sentence for a case involving less than 50 grams of crack cocaine. When Dejarion was arrested, he was selling crack cocaine to earn money for school. At that time, it took 100 times more powder cocaine than crack cocaine to get the same 10-year sentence he received for his drug charge. His judge, forced to give 23-year-old DeJarion such a lengthy prison term, said, “This is one of those situations where I’d like to see a congressman sitting before me.” When Dejarion joined us in DC, he had only been home from prison for five weeks. He was all smiles — his positivity and determination to fight for reform were truly infectious.

Another attendee was Sagan Soto-Stanton. Her husband, Terrance Stanton, was originally sentenced to life for crack conspiracy charges, though his sentence was reduced to 25 to 30 years. Their children will be grown when he is released, and Sagan described vividly the sadness they live with every day. Listening to her explain how the EQUAL Act would change her family’s life really hammered home how impactful retroactive sentencing reform can be.

Throughout the trip, I saw attendees share both laughter and tears — and I joined them in both. Many who came to share their stories were incredibly anxious, but were empowered to speak confidently because of this network of support. That honest emotion undoubtedly moved the needle. This trip was even more proof that sharing personal experience is the most effective tool we have.

Before attendees left town, FAMM hosted a press conference to push for quick votes on this legislation. Congressmen Hakeem Jeffries and Kelly Armstrong, lead sponsors of the EQUAL Act, spoke alongside FAMM attendees like Dejarion and Sagan, who shared their stories with the crowd. We also had a representative from the NBA announce the league’s endorsement of the EQUAL Act, which was a huge moment.

Momentum for reform is continuing to grow. As always, the work of families and FAMM supporters is vital to the progress we’ve seen and the progress to come. Only together can we make this happen.

Help us end the disparity: Tell your members of Congress to pass the EQUAL Act!

Josh Mitman is FAMM’s Director of Federal Legislative Affairs.