Statement on Garland Being Confirmed as Attorney General

Washington, D.C. – In response to the Merrick Garland being confirmed today as Attorney General of the United States, Maritza Perez, Director of the Office of National Affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), released the following statement:
 
“We congratulate Judge Garland on his successful confirmation vote today. During this confirmation process, we were encouraged to hear that he agrees with us on many very important drug policy issues, such as allowing states to regulate marijuana without fear of federal intervention, eradicating the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine offenses, and ending mandatory minimums.
 
Still, some of his comments around his support for prioritizing fentanyl prosecutions gave us pause, and we would encourage him to support ending mandatory minimums for drug offenses altogether. This cruel sentencing practice has caused insurmountable harm in communities of color, while making no impact on the supply of illicit drugs. Rather, as Attorney General, we urge him to ensure real justice and public health are at the heart of the department’s approach to drugs moving forward.”