The difference in sentencing between crack-cocaine in comparison to powder has been the cause of multiple debates throughout many circles when discussing civil rights.  Many say these harsher sentences have disproportionally impacted  minorities, most notably African-Americans.

Last November, the US Sentencing Commission amended its sentencing guidelines for crack cocaine, prompted by the Fair Sentencing Act President Obama passed in August. Today, while the USSC was conducting hearings in regards to whether these new guidelines should be made retroactive, Attorney General Eric Holder testified that  "that the imprisonment terms of those sentenced pursuant to the old statutory disparity -- who are not considered dangerous drug offenders -- should be alleviated to the extent possible to reflect the new law."

The retroactive application of the new sentencing guidelines could affect up to 12,000 inmates.

You can read his testimony here.

Source: Wall Street Journal