A 25-year - old law set mandatory minimum sentences in crack cocaine cases . Crack cocaine sentences were more severe than those in powder cocaine cases . The new law 's supporters say it offsets disparities in crime . Conyers : Not all Republicans joined the majority , however . The old law pushed the number of drug offenders in federal prison to nearly 100,000 .
A 25-year - old law set mandatory minimum sentences in crack cocaine cases . Crack cocaine sentences were more severe than those in powder cocaine cases . The new law 's supporters say it offsets disparities in crime . Conyers : The old law pushed the number of drug offenders in federal prison to nearly 100,000 .