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April 29, 2009

Obama Calls for Ending Disparity in Crack Sentences
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The Obama administration is calling on Congress to eliminate the
disparity in drug sentences for dealing crack versus powdered cocaine.
Under current law, possession of five grams of crack cocaine triggers
the same mandatory minimum sentence as possession of 500 grams of powder
cocaine. The law has disproportionately punished African American drug
offenders, who account for more than 80 percent of crack cocaine cases.
In prepared testimony for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and
Drugs, Assistant Attorney General Lanny Breuer says, “The administration
believes Congress’ goal should be to completely eliminate the disparity
in prison sentences between crack cocaine and powdered cocaine.” Breuer
did not say whether the White House will back reducing or eliminating
minimum sentences.



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