Fox issues statement in support of criminal justice reform package

The Fox Broadcasting Company issued a rare statement Thursday in support of a bipartisan prison and sentencing reform package currently being debated by the Senate.

The media company, which is made up of assets not included in 21st Century Fox’s merger with The Walt Disney Co. earlier this year, cheered the bill’s provisions expanding access to rehabilitation services as well as its provisions reducing mandatory minimum sentences for some crimes.

{mosads}“FOX supports the bipartisan First Step Act to limit mandatory minimum sentences, prevent recidivism and expand rehabilitation,” the company said Thursday afternoon.

“FOX looks forward to providing corporate support to programs implementing these objectives and to telling the compelling stories of redemption that result from common sense criminal justice reform,” the statement continued.

Several top GOP senators, including Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (Iowa) are pushing for a vote on the bill before the end of 2018, but Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has indicated that such a vote is unlikely before January.

The bill has broad support from members of both parties in the Senate but faces opposition from some conservatives as well as a possible battle with the House, which in January will fall under Democratic control and may push for broader changes. As it stands, the bill only applies to federal prisoners, a small slice of the overall incarcerated population.

“GOP colleagues: NOW is time to pass crim justice reform unless your argument is that you prefer to work w Speaker Nancy Pelosi to pass a bill?” Grassley tweeted last month.

The bill has White House support, as President Trump has indicated that he is prepared to sign it upon its arrival. Trump’s son-in-law and senior White House adviser, Jared Kushner, reportedly revived the issue earlier this year, meeting with members of Congress to build support for a bipartisan package.