Breaking News

Bill Clinton says he made mass incarceration issue worse

By Dan Merica, CNN

Updated 5:25 PM ET, Wed July 15, 2015

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.

Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Click through the gallery to look back at moments from his life and career.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Bill Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Click through the gallery to look back at moments from his life and career.
Hide Caption
1 of 48
Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas, on August 19, 1946. He is seen here the following year.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton was born in Hope, Arkansas, on August 19, 1946. He is seen here the following year.
Hide Caption
2 of 48
A young Clinton shakes hands with President John F. Kennedy while other American Legion Boys Nation delegates look on during a trip to the White House in 1963.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
A young Clinton shakes hands with President John F. Kennedy while other American Legion Boys Nation delegates look on during a trip to the White House in 1963.
Hide Caption
3 of 48
In 1974, Clinton ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives seat for Arkansas' Third Congressional District.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
In 1974, Clinton ran unsuccessfully for the House of Representatives seat for Arkansas' Third Congressional District.
Hide Caption
4 of 48
Clinton was elected governor of Arkansas in 1978. He is seen here with civil rights activist Rosa Parks and first lady Rosalynn Carter in July 1979.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton was elected governor of Arkansas in 1978. He is seen here with civil rights activist Rosa Parks and first lady Rosalynn Carter in July 1979.
Hide Caption
5 of 48
Talk show host Arsenio Hall gestures approvingly as Clinton plays Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" on the saxophone during a taping of "The Arsenio Hall Show" in 1992.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Talk show host Arsenio Hall gestures approvingly as Clinton plays Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" on the saxophone during a taping of "The Arsenio Hall Show" in 1992.
Hide Caption
6 of 48
During his 1992 campaign for the presidency, Clinton and his Democratic running mate, Sen. Al Gore, tour a factory in Davenport, Iowa.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
During his 1992 campaign for the presidency, Clinton and his Democratic running mate, Sen. Al Gore, tour a factory in Davenport, Iowa.
Hide Caption
7 of 48
Clinton debates President George H.W. Bush and independent candidate H. Ross Perot (not pictured) at Michigan State University in Lansing, on October 19, 1992. It was their third and final debate.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton debates President George H.W. Bush and independent candidate H. Ross Perot (not pictured) at Michigan State University in Lansing, on October 19, 1992. It was their third and final debate.
Hide Caption
8 of 48
From left, Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Bill Clinton and Al Gore celebrate their successful bid for the White House from the Old State House in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 4, 1992. Clinton won with 43% of the vote to Bush's 37% and Perot's 19%.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
From left, Hillary Clinton, Tipper Gore, Bill Clinton and Al Gore celebrate their successful bid for the White House from the Old State House in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 4, 1992. Clinton won with 43% of the vote to Bush's 37% and Perot's 19%.
Hide Caption
9 of 48
The Clinton's cat, Socks, is photographed outside the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on November 17, 1992.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
The Clinton's cat, Socks, is photographed outside the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock on November 17, 1992.
Hide Caption
10 of 48
President Ronald Reagan presents Clinton with a jar of red, white and blue jelly beans in Los Angeles on November 27, 1992. Reagan said they kept him from smoking cigarettes.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
President Ronald Reagan presents Clinton with a jar of red, white and blue jelly beans in Los Angeles on November 27, 1992. Reagan said they kept him from smoking cigarettes.
Hide Caption
11 of 48
Clinton takes his morning jog through the National Mall in Washington on May 8, 1993.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton takes his morning jog through the National Mall in Washington on May 8, 1993.
Hide Caption
12 of 48
James Brady, the Reagan administration press secretary who was wounded during the 1981 assassination attempt, watches President Clinton sign the Brady Bill at the White House on November 30, 1993. The bill required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases, ending a seven-year gun-control battle.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
James Brady, the Reagan administration press secretary who was wounded during the 1981 assassination attempt, watches President Clinton sign the Brady Bill at the White House on November 30, 1993. The bill required a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases, ending a seven-year gun-control battle.
Hide Caption
13 of 48
From left, Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton attend the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signing ceremony at the White House on September 14, 1993.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
From left, Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton attend the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signing ceremony at the White House on September 14, 1993.
Hide Caption
14 of 48
Clinton calls on a reporter during a news conference in the East Room of the White House on March 24, 1994. The President said he would release his tax returns from the late-1970s to answer questions about his Whitewater investment. Six years later, independent counsel Robert Ray closed the Whitewater investigation, clearing the Clintons of any wrongdoing in the real estate scandal.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton calls on a reporter during a news conference in the East Room of the White House on March 24, 1994. The President said he would release his tax returns from the late-1970s to answer questions about his Whitewater investment. Six years later, independent counsel Robert Ray closed the Whitewater investigation, clearing the Clintons of any wrongdoing in the real estate scandal.
Hide Caption
15 of 48
Clinton rides in a 1967 Ford Mustang during a visit to the Charlotte, North Carolina, Motor Speedway on April 17, 1994.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton rides in a 1967 Ford Mustang during a visit to the Charlotte, North Carolina, Motor Speedway on April 17, 1994.
Hide Caption
16 of 48
White House intern Monica Lewinsky embraces President Clinton at a Democratic fund-raiser in Washington on October 23, 1996.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
White House intern Monica Lewinsky embraces President Clinton at a Democratic fund-raiser in Washington on October 23, 1996.
Hide Caption
17 of 48
Clinton tees off on the first hole at Farm Neck Golf Club during a visit to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts on August 22, 1997.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton tees off on the first hole at Farm Neck Golf Club during a visit to Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts on August 22, 1997.
Hide Caption
18 of 48
Paula Jones, center, arrives at the office of a lawyer representing President Clinton in Washington on January 17, 1998. The former Arkansas state employee filed a federal civil lawsuit in 1994 accusing Clinton of making "persistent and continuous" unwanted sexual advances during a conference in 1991, when he was governor. The President agreed to an $850,000 settlement on November 13, 1998.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Paula Jones, center, arrives at the office of a lawyer representing President Clinton in Washington on January 17, 1998. The former Arkansas state employee filed a federal civil lawsuit in 1994 accusing Clinton of making "persistent and continuous" unwanted sexual advances during a conference in 1991, when he was governor. The President agreed to an $850,000 settlement on November 13, 1998.
Hide Caption
19 of 48
President Clinton speaks about the Monica Lewinsky scandal at the White House on January 26, 1998, as First Lady Hillary Clinton looks on. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," he said.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
President Clinton speaks about the Monica Lewinsky scandal at the White House on January 26, 1998, as First Lady Hillary Clinton looks on. "I did not have sexual relations with that woman," he said.
Hide Caption
20 of 48
Members of the 105th Congress and guests fill the Senate chamber as President Clinton delivers his State of the Union address on January 27, 1998.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Members of the 105th Congress and guests fill the Senate chamber as President Clinton delivers his State of the Union address on January 27, 1998.
Hide Caption
21 of 48
Vice President Gore looks on as Clinton places an "0" on the board showing what the federal deficit will be after unveiling his balanced budget plan for 1999, during a ceremony at the White House on February 2, 1998. The President declared an end to "an era of exploding deficits," sent a $1.73 trillion budget to Congress that promised the first surplus in more than three decades.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Vice President Gore looks on as Clinton places an "0" on the board showing what the federal deficit will be after unveiling his balanced budget plan for 1999, during a ceremony at the White House on February 2, 1998. The President declared an end to "an era of exploding deficits," sent a $1.73 trillion budget to Congress that promised the first surplus in more than three decades.
Hide Caption
22 of 48
The Clintons, and their daughter Chelsea, center, depart the White House on August 18, 1998, with their dog Buddy on their way to a two-week vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Clinton gave a televised address a day before to the American people from the White House regarding his testimony earlier to a federal grand jury in which he admitted to an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
The Clintons, and their daughter Chelsea, center, depart the White House on August 18, 1998, with their dog Buddy on their way to a two-week vacation in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. Clinton gave a televised address a day before to the American people from the White House regarding his testimony earlier to a federal grand jury in which he admitted to an inappropriate relationship with Monica Lewinsky.
Hide Caption
23 of 48
Clinton answers questions from reporters on December 17, 1998, before the start of a meeting with his foreign policy team, including National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, left, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Defense Secretary William Cohen and Vice President Al Gore at the White House. After a December 16 military strike on Iraq, Clinton warned Iraqi President Saddam Hussein against threatening his neighbors. Clinton also indicated his determination to complete the operations that continued the next day with renewed bombing of Iraqi sites suspected of housing parts to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton answers questions from reporters on December 17, 1998, before the start of a meeting with his foreign policy team, including National Security Adviser Sandy Berger, left, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Defense Secretary William Cohen and Vice President Al Gore at the White House. After a December 16 military strike on Iraq, Clinton warned Iraqi President Saddam Hussein against threatening his neighbors. Clinton also indicated his determination to complete the operations that continued the next day with renewed bombing of Iraqi sites suspected of housing parts to manufacture weapons of mass destruction.
Hide Caption
24 of 48
The Clintons listen as House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt addresses the nation on December 19, 1998, at the White House after the House of Representatives voted to impeach the President on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Lewinsky scandal. A defiant Clinton rejected calls for his resignation following the House vote.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
The Clintons listen as House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt addresses the nation on December 19, 1998, at the White House after the House of Representatives voted to impeach the President on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Lewinsky scandal. A defiant Clinton rejected calls for his resignation following the House vote.
Hide Caption
25 of 48
Clinton pauses while reading a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House after the Senate voted to acquit him on February 12, 1999, in Washington. Clinton apologized for the actions that led to his impeachment, saying he was "profoundly sorry."
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton pauses while reading a statement in the Rose Garden of the White House after the Senate voted to acquit him on February 12, 1999, in Washington. Clinton apologized for the actions that led to his impeachment, saying he was "profoundly sorry."
Hide Caption
26 of 48
Clinton meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, left and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat on July 25, 2000, at Camp David at the end of a Mideast peace summit. The talks ended without an agreement.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton meets with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, left and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat on July 25, 2000, at Camp David at the end of a Mideast peace summit. The talks ended without an agreement.
Hide Caption
27 of 48
Clinton leaves McDonald's after stopping for a crispy chicken sandwich, fries and a large Diet Coke following his passing of the symbolic torch as the leader of the Democratic Party to vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Gore in Monroe, Michigan, on August 15, 2000.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton leaves McDonald's after stopping for a crispy chicken sandwich, fries and a large Diet Coke following his passing of the symbolic torch as the leader of the Democratic Party to vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Gore in Monroe, Michigan, on August 15, 2000.
Hide Caption
28 of 48
Clinton speaks at a New York Senate fund-raiser on October 22, 2000, at the Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay, New York. Clinton attended four fundraisers throughout New York state in support of his wife's Senate campaign.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton speaks at a New York Senate fund-raiser on October 22, 2000, at the Bonnie Castle Resort in Alexandria Bay, New York. Clinton attended four fundraisers throughout New York state in support of his wife's Senate campaign.
Hide Caption
29 of 48
Clinton and daughter Chelsea wave before boarding his plane at Andrews Air Force Base as he leaves Washington following Bush's inauguration on January 20, 2001. Clinton was heading to his new home in Chappaqua, New York.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton and daughter Chelsea wave before boarding his plane at Andrews Air Force Base as he leaves Washington following Bush's inauguration on January 20, 2001. Clinton was heading to his new home in Chappaqua, New York.
Hide Caption
30 of 48
Clinton cheers a group of saxophone players at the conclusion of a rally on July 30, 2001, at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building in Harlem, New York. Harlem residents welcomed Clinton, who was moving into his new post-presidential office in the building.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton cheers a group of saxophone players at the conclusion of a rally on July 30, 2001, at the Adam Clayton Powell State Office Building in Harlem, New York. Harlem residents welcomed Clinton, who was moving into his new post-presidential office in the building.
Hide Caption
31 of 48
Dr. Craig Smith, right, answers a reporter's question about Clinton's status after Clinton's quadruple bypass surgery in September 2004. Clinton was hospitalized after suffering chest pains and shortness of breath. Doctors announced that some of Clinton's arteries had been blocked more than 90%.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Dr. Craig Smith, right, answers a reporter's question about Clinton's status after Clinton's quadruple bypass surgery in September 2004. Clinton was hospitalized after suffering chest pains and shortness of breath. Doctors announced that some of Clinton's arteries had been blocked more than 90%.
Hide Caption
32 of 48
(From right) Clinton stands with his wife, daughter, President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter during the inauguration of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 18, 2004. The library and museum includes some 76.8 million pages of paper documents, 1.85 million photographs and over 75,000 artifacts from Clinton's eight years in the White House.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
(From right) Clinton stands with his wife, daughter, President George W. Bush, Laura Bush, former President George H.W. Bush, Barbara Bush, former President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter during the inauguration of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 18, 2004. The library and museum includes some 76.8 million pages of paper documents, 1.85 million photographs and over 75,000 artifacts from Clinton's eight years in the White House.
Hide Caption
33 of 48
Clinton gestures as he explains to journalists that the baby being held was born just two days ago at Teureubeuh village refugee camp in Jantho, Indonesia, on May 20, 2005. Clinton visited the Indonesian ground zero of the tsunami disaster on a mission to galvanize the delivery of aid to areas still struggling to recover. Under heavy security, Clinton held talks with United Nations and government reconstruction officials at the main airport in the western province of Aceh, where more than 128,000 people lost their lives in December 2004.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton gestures as he explains to journalists that the baby being held was born just two days ago at Teureubeuh village refugee camp in Jantho, Indonesia, on May 20, 2005. Clinton visited the Indonesian ground zero of the tsunami disaster on a mission to galvanize the delivery of aid to areas still struggling to recover. Under heavy security, Clinton held talks with United Nations and government reconstruction officials at the main airport in the western province of Aceh, where more than 128,000 people lost their lives in December 2004.
Hide Caption
34 of 48
Clinton visits with Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the Reliant Center adjacent to the Astrodome in Houston on September 5, 2005. That same day, former President George H.W. Bush and Clinton announced the formation of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton visits with Hurricane Katrina evacuees in the Reliant Center adjacent to the Astrodome in Houston on September 5, 2005. That same day, former President George H.W. Bush and Clinton announced the formation of the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund, to assist victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Hide Caption
35 of 48
On January 12, 2006, in New York City, Clinton announces that an agreement was reached by the Clinton Foundation that will allow the sale of anti-retroviral drugs Efavirenz and Abacavir, as well as HIV tests, at a lower cost in developing countries. Anti-retroviral drugs and rapid tests were regarded as part of the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
On January 12, 2006, in New York City, Clinton announces that an agreement was reached by the Clinton Foundation that will allow the sale of anti-retroviral drugs Efavirenz and Abacavir, as well as HIV tests, at a lower cost in developing countries. Anti-retroviral drugs and rapid tests were regarded as part of the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative.
Hide Caption
36 of 48
The former President addresses the Democratic National Convention on August 27, 2008, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Democrats made history on August 27, installing Barack Obama as the first black presidential nominee of a major U.S. party. A state-by-state roll-call vote was dramatically suspended when Hillary Clinton appeared on the floor of the convention and called for Obama to be nominated by acclamation.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
The former President addresses the Democratic National Convention on August 27, 2008, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. Democrats made history on August 27, installing Barack Obama as the first black presidential nominee of a major U.S. party. A state-by-state roll-call vote was dramatically suspended when Hillary Clinton appeared on the floor of the convention and called for Obama to be nominated by acclamation.
Hide Caption
37 of 48
Journalist Laura Ling speaks in front of Euna Lee, former Vice President Gore and former President Clinton after Ling and Lee arrived in Burbank, California, on August 5, 2009, after being released by North Korean authorities. Ling and Lee, of San Francisco-based Current TV, were arrested by North Korea in March for illegally entering the country on the Chinese border. They were pardoned by President Kim Jong-Il after a meeting with Clinton. Ling and Lee had been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Journalist Laura Ling speaks in front of Euna Lee, former Vice President Gore and former President Clinton after Ling and Lee arrived in Burbank, California, on August 5, 2009, after being released by North Korean authorities. Ling and Lee, of San Francisco-based Current TV, were arrested by North Korea in March for illegally entering the country on the Chinese border. They were pardoned by President Kim Jong-Il after a meeting with Clinton. Ling and Lee had been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Hide Caption
38 of 48
Clinton visits the General Hospital of Port-au-Prince on January 18, 2010, after a 7.0 earthquake sturck the country. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon placed Clinton in charge of overseeing aid and reconstruction efforts in Haiti on February 3, 2010.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton visits the General Hospital of Port-au-Prince on January 18, 2010, after a 7.0 earthquake sturck the country. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon placed Clinton in charge of overseeing aid and reconstruction efforts in Haiti on February 3, 2010.
Hide Caption
39 of 48
Bill Gates, co-founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, testifies with Clinton before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2010. Gates and Clinton voiced their support for legislation that would increase funding for global health and outlined what they believe could be cost-effective ways to fight HIV/AIDS and poverty around the world.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Bill Gates, co-founder and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, testifies with Clinton before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2010. Gates and Clinton voiced their support for legislation that would increase funding for global health and outlined what they believe could be cost-effective ways to fight HIV/AIDS and poverty around the world.
Hide Caption
40 of 48
The former President walks his daughter Chelsea down the aisle during her wedding to Marc Mezvinsky at the Astor Courts Estate in Rhinebeck, New York, on July 31, 2010.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
The former President walks his daughter Chelsea down the aisle during her wedding to Marc Mezvinsky at the Astor Courts Estate in Rhinebeck, New York, on July 31, 2010.
Hide Caption
41 of 48
Clinton welcomes President Barack Obama to the stage during a campaign rally on November 4, 2012, in Concord, New Hampshire. With only two days left until the presidential election, Obama and his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, were stumping from one "swing state" to the next in a last-minute rush to persuade undecided voters.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton welcomes President Barack Obama to the stage during a campaign rally on November 4, 2012, in Concord, New Hampshire. With only two days left until the presidential election, Obama and his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, were stumping from one "swing state" to the next in a last-minute rush to persuade undecided voters.
Hide Caption
42 of 48
Clinton speaks to China's President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 18, 2013.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton speaks to China's President Xi Jinping during a meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on November 18, 2013.
Hide Caption
43 of 48
President Obama awards Clinton the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House on November 20, 2013. The medal is considered the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
President Obama awards Clinton the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House on November 20, 2013. The medal is considered the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Hide Caption
44 of 48
Bill de Blasio, right, is sworn in as New York City mayor by Clinton on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan on January 1, 2014. With them are de Blasio's daughter Chiara, wife Chirlane and son Dante.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Bill de Blasio, right, is sworn in as New York City mayor by Clinton on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan on January 1, 2014. With them are de Blasio's daughter Chiara, wife Chirlane and son Dante.
Hide Caption
45 of 48
Former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush share a laugh during a September event launching the Presidential Leadership Scholars program at the Newseum in Washington. With the cooperation of the Clinton, Bush, Lyndon B. Johnson and George H. W. Bush presidential libraries and foundations, the new scholarship program will provide "motivated leaders across all sectors an opportunity to study presidential leadership and decision making and learn from key administration officials, practitioners and leading academics."
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Former Presidents Clinton and George W. Bush share a laugh during a September event launching the Presidential Leadership Scholars program at the Newseum in Washington. With the cooperation of the Clinton, Bush, Lyndon B. Johnson and George H. W. Bush presidential libraries and foundations, the new scholarship program will provide "motivated leaders across all sectors an opportunity to study presidential leadership and decision making and learn from key administration officials, practitioners and leading academics."
Hide Caption
46 of 48
Hillary and Bill Clinton hold their granddaughter in September at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky is the first child of their daughter, Chelsea.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Hillary and Bill Clinton hold their granddaughter in September at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York. Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky is the first child of their daughter, Chelsea.
Hide Caption
47 of 48
Clinton and actor Sean Penn visit a cholera treatment center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in February.
Photos: Bill Clinton's life and career
Clinton and actor Sean Penn visit a cholera treatment center in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in February.
Hide Caption
48 of 48
01 bill clinton 060502 bill clinton03 bill clinton RESTRICTED04 bill clinton05 bill clinton RESTRICTED06 bill clinton RESTRICTED07 bill clinton08 bill clinton09 bill clinton10 bill clinton11 bill clinton12 bill clinton13 bill clinton14 bill clinton RESTRICTED15 bill clinton RESTRICTED16 bill clinton18 bill clinton RESTRICTED20 bill clinton23 bill clinton22 bill clinton RESTRICTED21 bill clinton24 bill clinton 25 bill clinton 26 bill clinton 27 bill clinton 28 bill clinton 29 bill clinton 31 bill clinton32 bill clinton34 bill clinton35 bill clintonbill clinton hospital 2004 FILE37 bill clinton38 bill clinton39 bill clinton RESTRICTED40 bill clinton41 bill clinton 43 bill clinton 42 bill clinton 44 bill clinton 45 bill clinton 46 bill clinton 47 bill clinton 48 bill clinton 49 bill clinton 50 bill clinton 52 bill clinton 02 bill clinton 0605

Story highlights

  • The omnibus crime bill that Clinton signed in 1994 included the federal "three strikes" provision
  • Clinton's comments come amid greater focus in the Democratic Party on criminal justice reform

(CNN)Bill Clinton said Wednesday that the crime bill he signed into law as President in 1994 worsened the nation's criminal justice system by increasing prison sentences.

"I signed a bill that made the problem worse," Clinton told an audience at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's annual meeting in Philadelphia. "And I want to admit it."
The omnibus crime bill that Clinton signed included the federal "three strikes" provision, mandating life sentences for criminals convicted of a violent felony after two or more prior convictions, including drug crimes.
    Clinton said Wednesday that he signed the law because "we had had a roaring decade of rising crime" when he entered the White House.
    RELATED: Obama seeks to expand Internet to low-income households
    Read More
    "We had gang warfare on the streets. We had little children being shot dead on the streets who were just innocent bystanders standing in the wrong place," he said.
    In response, Clinton said, the bill increased the number of police on the streets and enacted gun control legislation. But decades later, Clinton believes the results of the law were mixed, at best.
    "In that bill, there were longer sentences. And most of these people are in prison under state law, but the federal law set a trend," Clinton said. "And that was overdone. We were wrong about that. That percentage of it, we were wrong about. "
    He added: "The good news is we had the biggest drop in crime in history. The bad news is we had a lot people who were locked up, who were minor actors, for way too long."
    RELATED: New swagger for Ted Cruz allies after fundraising surprise
    Clinton's comments come amid greater focus in the Democratic Party on criminal justice reform.
    President Barack Obama addressed the NAACP's convention on Tuesday, where he derided mass incarceration and outlined his plan to end the practice.
    "Mass incarceration makes our country worse off and we need to do something about it," Obama said.
    Obama commutes sentences of 46 drug offenders
    Obama commutes sentences of 46 drug offenders

      JUST WATCHED

      Obama commutes sentences of 46 drug offenders

    Replay
    More Videos ...

    MUST WATCH

    Obama commutes sentences of 46 drug offenders 02:56
    What's more, Hillary Clinton has made criminal justice reform a staple of her campaign.
    "Keeping them behind bars does little to reduce crime, but it does a lot to tear apart families," the former first lady said earlier this year in New York. "Our prisons and our jails are now our mental health institutions."
    Both Clintons, however, pushed hard for the 1994 crime bill.
    "We will finally be able to say, loudly and clearly, that for repeat, violent, criminal offenders: three strikes and you're out. We are tired of putting you back in through the revolving door," Hillary Clinton said in 1994.
    This is not the first time Bill Clinton has said he regretted his impact on mass incarceration.
    In an interview with CNN earlier this year, the former President said the problem is the 1994 law "cast too wide a net and we had too many people in prison."
    "And we wound up ... putting so many people in prison that there wasn't enough money left to educate them, train them for new jobs and increase the chances when they came out so they could live productive lives," he said.

    CNN's Jeremy Diamond contributed to this report.