Senate heads toward floor fight on criminal justice bill
By Jordain Carney - 12/14/18 06:00 AM EST
Senators are heading toward a contentious floor fight as GOP leadership tries to squeeze in a White House-backed criminal justice bill by the end of the year.
The legislation, despite being supported by President Trump, faces entrenched opposition from conservatives, who argue it would let dangerous, repeat criminals out of jail. They’ve given no sign of backing down in the wake of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) surprise decision to give the bill a vote.
GOP leaders, backed by the administration, are pushing forward as they try to get the bill across the floor with only days left until the end of the session and a stalemated shutdown fight looming at the end of next week.
McConnell teed up an initial test vote for Monday, when supporters will need to show they have 60 votes to move the legislation forward.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/421328-senate-heads-toward-floor-fight-on-criminal-justice-bill
