Washington Letter April 2013

     

    Federal Government

    Senate prepares to consider gun violence prevention legislation

    The Senate is expected to begin consideration of gun violence legislation the week of April 8 after members return from their spring recess, but the package will not include a proposed ban on assault weapons.

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    Federal Government

    Senate bill would allow federal judges sentencing discretion

    Sens. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) introduced legislation March 20 addressing the problem of the increasing federal prison population and spiraling prison costs. S. 619, knows as the Justice Safety Valve Act of 2013, would “combat injustice in federal sentencing and the waste of taxpayer dollars by allowing judges appropriate discretion in sentencing,” Leahy said in a statement accompanying introduction of the bill.