For Crack Offenders, Earlier Shot At Release

Howell said the vote, which could reduce sentences by an average of 27 months for inmates sentenced under the old guidelines, is small but important. "It is significant because it's the first correct movement in over . . . 20 years. Though modest, I think it shows the commission is trying to change the contribution it has made to the disparity."

But the change is not a "get out of jail free" card, said commissioner Michael E. Horowitz. "Not everybody is automatically entitled to this reduction," he said, explaining that federal judges, many of whom supported making the guidelines retroactive, will decide cases individually on merit.

Sessions said the commission decided to delay retroaction until March 3 so that courts can prepare for an onslaught of inmate motions. The Bureau of Prisons will be asked to notify its facilities, and administrators are to notify inmates of their eligibility.

Echoing a majority of commissioners, Castillo said the vote is a signal to Congress "to make a comprehensive change" in the drug laws.

In the audience, activists from groups such as Families Against Mandatory Minimums joined the family members of inmates in applauding the vote.

Karen Garrison, a D.C. mother whose twin sons, both Howard University graduates whose convictions were based on witness testimony, said: "This is the first time I have really been excited about anything." Lamont Garrison's 19-year sentence could be reduced by four years, and Lawrence's sentence could be reduced by three.

Secoya Jenkins, 16, of Orange, N.J., smiled broadly and said, "I'm excited because my mom is coming home." Nerika Jenkins, 35, also convicted because of witness testimony, is serving a 19-year sentence.

"It is a remarkable day," said Marc Mauer, executive director of the Sentencing Project. "While this is only the federal system and it's a small change, it's going to resonate around the world."