Bipartisan criminal justice reform bill clears US Senate

The US Senate on Tuesday night overwhelmingly passed a sweeping federal criminal justice reform bill, paving the way for the most significant change to America's justice system in decades.

The "First Step Act," a hard-won bipartisan effort, includes provisions to ease heavy sentences for certain offenders, give judges more discretion in sentencing low-level criminals, and improve prison conditions for women, among others.

"America is the greatest Country in the world and my job is to fight for ALL citizens, even those who have made mistakes," US President Donald Trump tweeted after the bill was passed.