[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 199 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             FIRST STEP ACT

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, yesterday the Senate voted to advance 
the pending criminal justice legislation. As I noted, at the request of 
President Trump and after improvements were secured, we are considering 
the bill on the floor this week.
  Particular credit for this belongs to Senator Cornyn, who has 
carefully and impressively balanced his role as majority whip with his 
own personal support for the legislation. His leadership has benefitted 
everyone who shares his position and would like to see this bill become 
law, and he deserves every bit of their gratitude.
  With respect to the substance of the legislation, a number of Members 
continue to have outstanding concerns that the bill currently leaves 
unaddressed. Members will have an opportunity to debate and vote on the 
pending germane amendments before we vote on final passage.

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