[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SECOND CHANCE ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my full support for 
the Second Chance Act of 2007, a bill to reauthorize the grant program 
for reentry of ex-offenders into the community.
  With the dramatic increase in criminal convictions involving illegal 
drugs since the 1980's, the Nation's prisons have become severely 
overcrowded. As a result, every day hundreds of men and women are 
released from prison into their communities for the difficult task of 
restarting their lives.
  It is even more difficult for those who have been incarcerated for a 
lengthy amount of time, those with limited education, and those who 
lack basic job skills. These men and women need assistance 
transitioning back into the community. Some assistance is needed with 
locating housing, finding employment, getting drug treatment, and 
mentoring.
  This bill would provide that assistance. It is crucial to provide 
that assistance because it will reduce recidivism, improve lives, and 
improve communities. At a time when communities all across our great 
country have been torn apart by crime and drugs, we need to do all we 
can to help Americans who need a second chance at life. Let's send a 
message to America that we care about those who need help getting on 
their feet.
  I thank my colleague Danny Davis for introducing this important bill. 
I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

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