05/19/2025 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON D.C. - "One of the most impactful accomplishments of my time in the Senate was passing the bipartisan First Step Act in 2018, a bill that turned the tide against mass incarceration and began long overdue reforms of a broken justice system that wasted billions of taxpayer dollars, drained our economy, hurt our communities, and compromised public safety.
"The First Step Act was the result of a broad coalition of advocates, from a bipartisan group of Senators, to civil rights leaders, law enforcement, and other groups. One of the most important was Charlie Kushner, whose experience in prison profoundly affected him and led him to be an advocate for needed reforms. Without his efforts, the bill wouldn't have become law. In addition, on numerous occasions, on issues related to the incarcerated, the condemned, and those coming out of prison, he has worked with me to fight for those too often forgotten about by people in both parties.
"I have passionate differences and disagreements with Charlie Kushner, but I supported his confirmation because he has been unrelenting in reforming our criminal justice system and has substantively helped achieve the liberation of thousands of people from unjust incarceration," said Senator Cory Booker.