TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the bipartisan “First Step Act of 2018” (S.3649) and urges the Senate to consider the bill prior to the end of this Congress.
America’s criminal justice system should always strive to prepare incarcerated individuals for a successful return to society. Employment and training opportunities combined with recidivism reduction programs are a key element in helping the incarcerated find gainful employment upon their release.
The First Step Act includes important reforms to the federal prison system that will ensure that the incarcerated have greater access to and incentives for participating in anti-recidivism programming and job-training opportunities. As a result, these individuals will be better prepared for the millions of jobs openings that exist.
Businesses across the country have been taking important steps to make it easier for the formerly incarcerated to secure employment. The Chamber is pleased to see Democrats and Republicans coming together on reforms to improve the post-incarceration lives of federal inmates. The sooner these reforms can be enacted, the sooner incarcerated individuals can be on a path to a successful return to society.
Sincerely,
Neil L. Bradley
