WASHINGTON, D.C. – Heritage Foundation President Kay Coles James released the following statement praising the White House for calling on Congress to pass bipartisan prison reform legislation, known as the FIRST STEP Act:

 

“As a society, we should be committed to providing every opportunity for people in the criminal justice system to change their lives and become productive members of their communities.

 

“The FIRST STEP Act will increase public safety, strengthen families, and give incarcerated people a chance to flourish after they’ve paid their debt to society. It is time to end the revolving-door our federal prisons have become and put those who are willing to work for a second chance back on the path toward reaching their full potential.

 

“These conservative, individualized and data-driven reforms will give prisoners the education, skills, and rehabilitation they need to return to their communities and prosper. I applaud President Trump and members of Congress for coming together to recognize this opportunity.”