Floor Statement on the Recidivism Reduction Act - June 12, 2009
June 12, 2009
REMARKS BY
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON
FLOOR REMARKS ON H.R. 2829, THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION ACT
THE HONORABLE ANDRÉ CARSON
FLOOR REMARKS ON H.R. 2829, THE RECIDIVISM REDUCTION ACT
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2009
Madam Speaker, yesterday I introduced the Recidivism Reduction Act, a bill that will quickly restore federal disability and health benefits to eligible individuals after they are released from incarceration.
As a former law enforcement officer, I've seen the public safety risks that exist when ex-offenders leave prison without the tools or resources they need—only to commit further crimes that return them to the criminal justice system.
Currently, these benefits are regularly suspended or terminated upon incarceration and take considerable time to be reinstated after an individual is released.
Without the health coverage they so desperately need, many newly released individuals cannot fully focus on securing gainful employment and developing a supportive home life.
My colleagues should rest assured that this legislation will not provide new benefits to recently released individuals.
Rather, it ensures that individuals receive the timely benefits they need to begin breaking the cycle of recidivism.
Join me in supporting H.R. 2829, the Recidivism Reduction Act.