March 24, 2022

Manchin Cosponsors EQUAL Act To Fix Sentencing Disparity For Crack And Powder Cocaine

Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) cosponsored the bipartisan EQUAL Act which would eliminate the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity and ensure those who are currently serving time under the previous law can receive a re-sentencing under the new law. The EQUAL Act was passed 361-66 by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“For far too long there has been a disparity in crack and powder cocaine, disproportionately impacting the lives of many of our fellow West Virginians and Americans,” said Senator Manchin. “I am proud to cosponsor the EQUAL Act to address this disparity and eliminate the sentencing disparity between these two forms of the same illicit drug once and for all. As West Virginia continues to be ravaged by the drug epidemic facing our entire nation, it’s important that we address these disparities and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in passing this important legislation.”

The EQUAL Act is also cosponsored by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Rob Portman (R-OH), Rand Paul (R-KY), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Ossoff (D-GA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Susan Collins (R-ME), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Richard Burr (R-NC).

The EQUAL Act is endorsed by ALEC Action, American Conservative Union, Americans for Prosperity, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, FreedomWorks, Innocence Project, Major Cities Chiefs Association, National District Attorneys Association, Prison Fellowship, R Street Institute, and Right on Crime, among others.