Congressman Troy Carter Votes to Right Past Injustices and Close Sentencing Disparity Between Powder and Crack Cocaine Offenses

WASHINGTON, D.C. –  Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter Sr. joined his colleagues in righting the injustices of the past and voted to pass the EQUAL Act. This legislation will finally eliminate the federal sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses, a arbitrary differentiation that has fueled mass incarceration and enormous racial disparities.

“Today I am proud to vote yes on the EQUAL Act,” said Congressman Carter. “This legislation will correct decades of unjust disparities between crack and cocaine sentencing fueled by racism and the unjust and ineffective so-called ‘War on Drugs.’ This is a much-needed step toward decreasing racial disparities in the justice system, mass incarceration, and the criminalization of addiction.”

The measure passed the House with bipartisan support, 361 (D) - 66 (R). It now goes to the Senate for consideration.

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