Joining Farry were Senate and House Republican lawmakers who echoed the call for House Democratic leadership to reconvene the chamber and bring the Senate-passed legislation up for a vote before the looming deadline.
“There are 1,100 victims that are no longer with us today in Pennsylvania because of these murderers,” said Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24). “There are countless families that have suffered, and now we’re going to ask them to suffer again and relive the trauma? I am calling on all my colleagues in the House to get back to work and get Senate Bill 1400 across the finish line and take care of our victims and their families.”
“There are so many people, particularly in my community in northeast Philadelphia, who’ve experienced unimaginable trauma,” said Sen. Joe Picozzi (R-5). “And when this deadline passes, without action from the House, they’re going to have to relive some of the most difficult and most traumatizing moments in their lives without clear guidance from Harrisburg. Inaction is a choice. I’m calling on my colleagues to act, act and act. The time is now and we need to get this done.”
“Even though Attorney General Dave Sunday has pleaded for help with this issue, his calls have gone unanswered,” Rep. Martina White (R-170) said. “My colleagues in the House have failed to pass legislation despite instructions from the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to establish a new sentencing framework before July 24.”
“Many of these inmates serving life sentences could seek resentencing, with some potentially becoming eligible for immediate release before a comprehensive legal process is in place. This is unconscionable,” said Rep. Joe Hogan (R-142).