Clinton OKs Reform of Crack, Coke Penalties

WASHINGTONPresident Clinton on Tuesday approved his
attorney general's proposal to reduce the huge differences
between sentences for selling crack and powdered cocaine and
turned the plan over to an uncertain fate in Congress.
The plan by Atty. Gen. Janet Reno and drug policy advisor Gen.
Barry R. McCaffrey, would lower the difference in sentencing for
the two different forms of cocaine to a 101 ratio.
That means the mandatory fiveyear sentence for selling 25
grams of crack also would apply to dealing 250 grams of powder
cocaine. Current law sets a fiveyear sentence for selling 5 grams of
crack or 500 grams of cocaine, a 1001 ratio.
Critics of the disparate sentences say they are unfair to minorities
who possess crack. Others say crack is far more addictive than
powder.
Rep. Maxine Waters (DLos Angeles), chairwoman of the
Congressional Black Caucus, said the White House plan is "not
good enough. Crack wouldn't be crack without powdered
cocaine."
Rep. Bill McCollum (RFla.), chairman of the House Judiciary
subcommittee on crime, expressed concern that the proposal would
reduce crack cocaine penalties.
McCaffrey said he believes the plan will get a favorable hearing
in Congress because of the exorbitant cost of keeping thousands of
people in prison for lowlevel drug crimes.

Copyright Los Angeles Times