Second Chance Act of 2007

SECOND CHANCE ACT OF 2007 -- (House of Representatives - November 13, 2007)

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Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Second Chance Act. This is an important bill not only to ex-offenders but to our communities and families.

This bill is a modest, commonsense response to the increasing number of offenders returning to our communities each year.

The Second Chance Act is a bipartisan approach to prisoner reentry that will better coordinate Federal agencies and policies on prisoner reentry with an eye towards less crime and taxpayer savings.

The Second Chance Act addresses important areas for offenders and communities, including: jobs, housing, substance abuse, mental health treatment, and support for families.

This legislation brings together State and local governments to work together on the problem of prisoner reentry.

A modest expenditure to help transition offenders back into their communities can save taxpayers millions of dollars in the long run because the cost of paying for inmates is a serious burden to our citizens.

The average cost to house a Federal inmate is over $25,000 a year. If we can reduce recidivism we can save taxpayers millions of dollars.

I supported the Second Chance Act when our former colleague Representative Rob Portman introduced the bill in 2004. He should be acknowledged for his diligent work on this important issue and paving the way for us to be here today.

After Mr. Portman left Congress, I took over as the primary sponsor and this Congress I cosponsored this legislation for the reasons I have stated.

I believe there are some fundamental ideas that we hold as Americans.

The first is that there is a God and that we will all at some point face divine judgment.

You don't have to believe in God to be an American, but most Americans, believers or not, when given a choice

will support limiting government to promote the welfare of their fellow man.

For believers like me, this legislation does that.

It is part of our Judeo-Christian ethics that we have a responsibility to care for widows, orphans and those less fortunate, including, always and explicitly, prisoners.

The issues addressed in the Second Chance Act are not only safety and cost savings but reflect a moral imperative.

The President laid out in his State of the Union Address in 2004 the need for this bill, stating, ``America is the land of second chance and when the gates of prison open, the path should lead to a better life.''

This bill will give those released from prison a better chance to improve their circumstances by turning away from crime and turning into productive contributing citizens.

I want to thank Congressman DANNY DAVIS, Chairman CONYERS, Judiciary Ranking Member LAMAR SMITH and Congressman SENSENBRENNER, Congressman FORBES, and Congressman COBLE for their work and leadership on this legislation.

I urge my colleagues to support the Second Chance Act of 2007.

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