For millions of American families, this is not just a debate, it is a painful reality. Federal mandatory minimum sentences have been a cornerstone of our sentencing structure for far too long - leading to an alarming disregard for our inherent rights as citizens. As a nation, we face the grossly disproportionate punishment of our citizens through this unjust system, often infringing upon the Eighth Amendment of our Constitution.

Congress, with its restrictive legislation, effectively binds the hands of our federal judges, forcing them to hand down harsh sentences that they personally do not support. This has been reflected in countless courtrooms across the country where defendants hear, again and again, that "Congress has our hands tied."

Judge Jed Rakoff, as cited in Neil Gorsuch's recent book "OVERRULED: The Human Toll of Too Much Law", correctly observes the common characteristics of these laws. They impose higher penalties and notably restrict judicial discretion. We see this clearly demonstrated in the statutes enforcing mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment for certain crimes.

Legions of federal criminal defense attorneys advise their clients on the understanding that these sentences are unconstitutional under the 8th Amendment. It's time we ceased translating such knowledge into futile consolation and use it instead as a call to action.

We beseech our decision-makers, both within the House, the Senate, and the United States Supreme Court, to stand up against these archaic and damaging policies. It is time to untie the hands of our judges, reevaluate the undue punishment of American families, and abolish federal mandatory minimum sentences. We implore you to join us in this fight - sign the petition today.