U.S. Senator Feinstein's Gang Bill, S. 132

I just received an action alert in my inbox regarding California's U.S. Senator Diane Finestein's effort to expand the scope and severity of criminalization of American youths. Below is an excerpt from the action alert.

Senator Feinstein just “hotlined” her gang bill, S. 132, which means that she requested that her bill – which will expand the definition of “gangs,” increase life without parole penalties for youth, widen the net and pull more youth (particularly poor youth and youth of color) into the federal criminal justice system – be passed by unanimous consent, without a floor vote or any opportunity for a floor debate within the next week (I have attached a one-page information sheet). To keep this from happening, one or more Senators must object and insist that her bill, S. 132, go through the normal process of floor consideration with the opportunity for debate and a vote on the record.

This is urgent! Please call the following Senators NOW and ask them to oppose and stop S. 132!

Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (VT) 202-224-7703
Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) 202-224-5141
Senator Richard Durbin (IL) 202-224-2152
Senator Roland Burris (IL) 202-224-2854
Senator Herb Kohl (WI) 202-224-5653
Senator Russ Feingold (WI) 202-224-5323
Senator Ben Cardin (MD) 202-224-4524

Also, please contact Senator Dianne Feinstein and ask that she not "hotline" her bill at:

Federal Office
331 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954

Los Angeles District Office
11111 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: (310) 914-7300
Fax: (310) 914-7318

The action alert was sent by Michael de la Rocha, Legislative Deputy at the Office of Los Angeles City Councilman Tony Cardenas, who is advocating strongly for the Youth PROMISE Act.