The end of the year is approaching, and more importantly, the 117th Congress is nearing its end. This time of year is always a flurry of last-minute activity as lawmakers try to get major legislative priorities across the finish line before a new government is sworn in early next year.

It’s a familiar scenario for me. The First Step Act was passed at the last minute in December 2018, dramatically reforming our federal sentencing laws. An important part of that bill was the push to make it retroactive: the changes to crack cocaine offense sentences, for example, would not only affect those sentenced in the future, but also provide an opportunity for those currently incarcerated to receive the same benefits. As a result, I was given the opportunity to be released from my sentence early, and I’m now fighting to make sure others receive the same chance.