Prison Fellowship's Response to Delay of Prison Reform and Redemption Act Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Prison Fellowship®, the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, released the following statement after voting was delayed Wednesday on the Prison Reform and Redemption Act of 2017 (H.R. 3356):
"The delay in voting on the Prison Reform and Redemption Act in the House of Representatives is a disappointment to Prison Fellowship and the hundreds of thousands of prisoners and families we serve," said Craig DeRoche, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy.
"There is no disagreement about what is in the bill, the fight is over what has not been put in this legislation—and the people who pay the price for these delays are the men and women that are incarcerated today. Delaying, or even killing these important reforms disregards the hope, dignity, value and potential of the people incarcerated today and will only serve to make America less safe by assuring the current continuation of high recidivism rates."
"Prison Fellowship has supported sentencing reform, prison reform and second chances for more than 40 years," added DeRoche. "We advocate for justice reform as a moral and values-based issue that should unite Americans. In addition to improving prison programs and incentives, the amended Prison Reform and Redemption Act would fix the ambiguity related to calculating good-time credit, providing relief for every federal prisoner. It would be a shame if partisanship or politics were to enter what has otherwise been a debate where the political right and left have worked together to advance shared principles. We are hopeful that the Prison Reform and Redemption Act can move forward in the House as soon as possible."
CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE
We can change the outcomes for hundreds of thousands of people in the federal prison system—as well as their families, their communities, and our nation. You can start by contacting your representative today and help get this bill to the House floor.
Share your name and address at the link below, and we'll send your elected official a message declaring your support for prison reform that will give people access to the transformative programming they need. Together, we can lay the groundwork for changed lives and safer communities.