Sen. Cory Booker Cory Anthony BookerBipartisan praise pours in after Ginsburg's death DHS opens probe into allegations at Georgia ICE facility Democratic lawmakers call for an investigation into allegations of medical neglect at Georgia ICE facility MORE (D-N.J.) on Wednesday slammed crime bills signed in the 1990s, touting his own plans for criminal justice reform.

"I passed a comprehensive criminal justice reform bill with other senators on both sides of the aisle, the first time since those horrible crime bills back in the 1990s,” Booker, a 2020 presidential candidate, said Wednesday during a CNN town hall.

Booker appeared to reference the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which was authored by former vice president and possible 2020 Democratic candidate Joe Biden Joe BidenOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate Trump attacks Omar for criticizing US: 'How did you do where you came from?' MORE. The legislation was also backed by fellow 2020 contender Sen. Bernie Sanders Bernie SandersButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Bernie Sanders warns of 'nightmare scenario' if Trump refuses election results Harris joins women's voter mobilization event also featuring Pelosi, Gloria Steinem, Jane Fonda MORE (I-Vt.), according to CNN.

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The bill set strict sentencing standards which, critics have argued, led to an era of mass incarceration.

Biden, who is reportedly close to making a decision on a possible White House bid, has said "I haven't always been right" on the issue of criminal justice.

Booker also said Wednesday that he would "absolutely" support mass pardons for federal marijuana offenses.

“The war on drugs has been a war on people,” he said. “As president of the United States, your job is to pursue justice.”