THOUSANDS OF FEDERAL DRUG INMATES SET FOR EARLY RELEASE

News from The Associated Press:
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- Thousands of federal inmates serving sentences for drug crimes are set for early release next month under a cost-cutting measure intended to reduce the nation's prison population.
The more than 5,500 inmates set to go free in November are among the first of what could eventually be tens of thousands eligible for release.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission voted last year to retroactively apply substantially lower recommended sentences for those convicted of drug-related felonies.
The commission, an independent panel that sets federal sentencing policy, estimated the prison terms would be cut by an average of 25 months.
Under the program, a judge reviews each prisoner's case to decide if his or her release would jeopardize public safety.
Most of those eligible for consideration have already served 10 years or more.
The Justice Department estimates that roughly 40,000 prisoners could benefit from the program in the coming years..."