Justice reform has been a big issue over the past few years. One such issue that has been getting a lot of attention is how a prior criminal record can impact an individual in the future. For that reason, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) have introduced the Renew Act, H.R. 2617. If passed, this bill would give young adults who had previously had committed a nonviolent first-offense a second chance.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) introduced, the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act (S. 670) which has been referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. On the surface this bill is being presented as consumer friendly, but when Sen. Warren introduces legislation that is allegedly opening up the market to lower the cost for consumers and increase competition, it is suspect to say the least.

As part of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 that was enacted in November of that year, the debt ceiling was suspended until March 15, 2017. As of March 16, 2017, the debt ceiling is now back in place, requiring Congress to take action to raise it by some time in Fall (likely October or November).

Last week, Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a memo in which he ordered federal prosecutors to seek the toughest penalties for nonviolent drug offenders. The result of this change in sentencing policy means more nonviolent e will be subject to mandatory minimum sentences.