Jason proudly represents Colorado’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jason serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Small Business Committee, and he is honored to serve as Vice-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and the National Security Task Force. Every day in Congress, Jason is fighting for common sense solutions for all Coloradans.
We cannot ignore the inequality that still exists in many communities. It is the duty of anyone who believes in our nation’s core values to stand up with one voice and clearly denounce all forms of bigotry and hatred. Communities of color in America have been torn apart by systemic injustices. We must acknowledge this and tackle inequities where they exist so that we can provide safety, opportunity, and dignity for all Americans. I fought beside soldiers who came from different racial, religious, and economic backgrounds – people who forged bonds and became brothers and sisters. We need to move toward a place of respect, understanding, and honesty so that we can fight inequality everywhere.
Mass incarceration, unequal application of the justice system based on race and class, and the long-term impacts of incarceration on employment, housing, and re-integration point to a criminal justice system in need of reform. In Congress, I am fighting for justice and equal treatment for all by promoting criminal justice policies to improve law enforcement, reduce incarceration, decriminalize marijuana, and strengthen communities. I support innovative, data-based reforms such as restorative justice that are designed to keep the public safer and address the underlying causes of crimes. Nationally, roughly 77% of those released from prison are rearrested within five years. Research shows that longer sentences actually make recidivism more, not less likely. The deck is stacked against individuals with a criminal conviction who struggle to re-enter the workforce, find stable housing, and maintain a steady paycheck. Many of those in the criminal justice system suffer from mental illness or substance abuse, and prisons remain ill-equipped to offer treatment and rehabilitation services.
In Congress, I’ve helped bridge the trust divide between law enforcement and our community. I’ve worked to reform law enforcement training to better address the inequities facing our communities of color and I will continue this work to protect civil rights and our community.