“President Barack Obama is eager to rekindle work with congressional leaders on a bipartisan bill to overhaul the country’s criminal justice laws. But this legacy item could falter due to a crowded legislative calendar and dissension within the GOP ranks.

“The Obama administration devoted an entire day last week to reinforcing the need for an overhaul, when the president reduced the sentences of 61 prisoners held on drug-related charges and dined with a group that had previously had its prison time reduced.

“The message from the White House was clear, with senior aides saying they are working with members of both parties to secure a package that can receive Obama’s signature.”

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