[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 105 (Wednesday, June 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S4729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. SCHATZ (for himself, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Whitehouse, Mr. 
        Sanders, Mr. Markey, Mr. Merkley, Mrs. Gillibrand, Mr. Franken, 
        Mr. Booker, and Mr. Cardin):
  S. 3122. A bill to reinstate Federal Pell Grant eligibility for 
individuals incarcerated in Federal and State penal institutions, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, I rise today to support the introduction 
of the Restoring Education and Learning Act of 2016, REAL Act, 
legislation to improve our justice system by reinstating Pell Grant 
eligibility for people in State and Federal prisons. I thank Senator 
Schatz for his leadership on this issue, and I am proud to be an 
original cosponsor of this critical bill.
  In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Higher 
Education Act of 1965, legislation that created the Federal Pell Grant 
program. Pell Grants are the single largest source of Federal aid that 
supports undergraduate students. Because Pell Grants are need-based, 
they primarily go to students from low-income families.
  When Congress created the Pell Grant program its intent was clear--to 
expand access to higher education for students with limited resources. 
By creating Pell Grants, Congress sent an unmistakable message that our 
country's most valuable resource is the genius and talent of our 
people. In an increasingly competitive global economy, investing in the 
education of all Americans--young and old--helps bolster our country's 
leadership.
  Unfortunately, far too many Americans are not eligible to receive 
Pell Grants simply because they are behind bars. In 1994, the Violent 
Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act completely eliminated Pell Grant 
eligibility for people who are incarcerated in State and Federal 
correctional institutions. This is flawed policy. Rather than enhance 
public safety, this policy change has made our communities less safe 
and has destroyed the potential of so many Americans who deserve a 
second chance. It is time we end this failed policy of the past. It is 
time we work to rebuild these broken individuals and allow them to 
acquire the skills they need to become contributing members of our 
society.
  Today, I am proud to join with Senator Schatz in introducing the REAL 
Act. This criminal justice reform bill would restore Pell Grant 
eligibility for Americans who are in state or Federal Prison. This is 
important because if we truly want to reform our broken criminal 
justice system, we need to allow incarcerated people to engage in 
activities that will make them more prepared for life after prison, 
which will in turn make them less likely to recidivate. This bill would 
give returning citizens the tools they need to successfully reintegrate 
into their communities.
  Last week, President Barack Obama announced a $30 million Second 
Chance Pell Grant pilot program. This program will expand access to 
Pell Grants for over 12,000 incarcerated students at 141 State and 
Federal institutions. However, the president's Second Chance Pell Grant 
pilot program does not extend to all incarcerated people nor does it 
codify this policy into law. By building on the president's work, the 
REAL Act would codify into law that prisoners are eligible for Pell 
Grants.
  Our criminal justice system is broken. We lead the globe in the 
number of people we incarcerate and we waste billions and billions of 
dollars locking up human potential. Passing the REAL Act would reduce 
staggeringly high recidivism rates because we know individuals with 
college degrees are less likely to commit crimes. Additionally, today, 
more than ever, it is clear that obtaining a college degree has become 
essential to obtaining employment--a key element in reducing recidivism 
rates.
  By precluding so many people from taking college classes, we are not 
only hurting those who are behind bars, but we are hurting ourselves. 
There is an old African saying that if you want to go fast go alone, 
but if you want to go far go together. This bill will help so many 
Americans get on the right path and turn their lives around. This bill 
would make us all stronger.
  I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the REAL Act. I urge my 
colleagues to support this bill, and I urge its speedy passage in the 
Senate.

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