Senate Committee on the Judiciary Discusses Reforming Crack/Cocaine Laws

This afternoon a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “Federal Cocaine Sentencing Laws; Reforming the 100:1 Crack Powder Disparity” met to discuss updating what Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) called, “arbitrary, unnecessary, and unjust” crack/cocaine legislation.

The hearing, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) discussed crack/cocaine laws with a panel of five experts on the issues. The Committee concluded that while the drug that makes crack and cocaine have an affect on the mind and body was the same, the circumstances that affect the user for each drug were not.

Crack, the Committee discussed, was detrimental to more than just individuals, but to communities as well. Proper sentencing for drug users was a hot issue discussed, and Biden urged the need to help addicts recover. Hopefully, by aiding addicts in their recovery, we can lessen the dependency many in our nation have on both crack and cocaine.

Senate Budget Committee Hearing on Economic Stimulus Package Before Floor Debate

 The Senate Budget Committee held a hearing this morning to once again discuss the economic stimulus package that will be debated and voted on the Senate floor this afternoon. Chairman Kent Conrad (D-ND) and ranking member Judd Gregg (R-NH) heard testimony from Dr. Alan Blinder of Princeton University, Dr. Mark Zandi of Moody’s Economy.com, and Dr. Daniel Mitchell, Senior Fellow of the Cato Institute.

The three T’s (timely, targeted, and temporary) once again led the conversation. The current Senate plan is costlier and broader than the bill the House has passed, including rebates for all taxpayers, regardless of income.

Dr. Blinder identifies himself with former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan’s “school” in proposing transfer payments, as food stamps and unemployment insurance, and aid to states, tools left out of the House version.

Dr. Zandi pointed out that several states including California, Nevada, and Florida are already in recession, though the nation as a whole is maintaining slow growth. He recommends replacing the House’s business incentives with a version of the programs endorsed by Dr. Blinder.

Dr. Mitchell cited Monty Python, announcing “And Now for Something Completely Different!” Denouncing Keynesian economics flat out as “bad theory.” Reminding the committee that there are no “magic wands,” denies the efficacy of fiscal policy to stimulate the economy. Instead, he recommends that the Congress focus on long term practices to provide an environment conducive to business investment.

In closing, Senator Gregg described the whole stimulus process as a “feel good event” while acknowledging its potential benefits nonetheless. Speaking with me afterward, he stated that if the Senate is to do this, it must do it quickly.