This is POTUS throwing a bone to the Never Trumper “conservatives” in the Senate and rabid Dems on “prison reform. They won’t be returning the favor of course.
I've often wondered why Trump has been so willing to go along with the GOP establishment's agenda and to appoint so many RNC-vetted party hacks to high level cabinet positions. My take is that he realizes that without the backing of the House and Senate GOP, he can accomplish nothing. This means supporting their agenda and their people with the hope that they'll reciprocate when an issue important to Trump and his base comes to the fore. Unfortunately, I doubt the GOP establishment will show much gratitude - not for Trump signing this bill, and not for his nomination of Bush flunky Barr as AG. Reciprocity and gratitude just aren't their game.