On Friday, the United States Sentencing Commission voted unanimously to retroactively apply a reduction in penalties for most drug crimes, reports the New York Times. Nearly 50,000 federal inmates serving time under pre-existing sentencing guidelines will be eligible to seek early release at the beginning of 2015, representing a historic shift in the lengthy war on drugs.  

The Sentencing Commission listed prison overcrowding and excess spending as the concerns that guided their decision. Operating prisons currently take up one-third of the Justice Department’s budget. 

The Commission estimates that eligible prisoners will have their sentences reduced by an average of 2 years. Each request for early release will be reviewed by a Federal judge.  

The decision was applauded by civil rights groups and advocates of prison reform. Attorney General Eric Holder has testified before Congress and the Sentencing Commission to push for reductions in drug sentencing, highlighting racial disparities in who is arrested on drug charges and how long sentences are. It was opposed by the National Association of Assistant District Attorneys, which represents federal prosecutors and called it "a grave danger to public safety." 

Unless Congress votes to overrule it, the change will take effect on November 1. 

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