WASHINGTON (AP) – A leading House Republican says a bipartisan overhaul of the nation’s criminal justice system could end up waiting until next year.
House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy told reporters Monday that a consensus can be achieved this election year. But the California Republican also said it doesn’t have to be done this year because it’s better to get legislation right than to meet a deadline.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has already passed legislation easing prison terms for some nonviolent offenders.
Support for the effort crosses party lines. Its supporters include the Obama administration and No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Cornyn of Texas. It’s viewed as one of the few bipartisan achievements possible this election year.
But some Republicans say it would lead to the release of some violent offenders.