    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 134, 116th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    Proclamation 10005 of March 31, 2020
    Second Chance Month, 2020
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation
    As Americans, we believe that every person has unbound potential. It is
    therefore important that we offer former inmates who have served their
    sentences and learned from their earlier mistakes the opportunity for
    redemption through a second chance to become productive members of
    society. During Second Chance Month, we celebrate those who have set out
    to create better lives following incarceration and recommit to helping
    former inmates contribute to the strength and prosperity of our Nation.
    In 2018, I signed into law the First Step Act, landmark legislation that
    brought needed reform to our criminal justice system. The First Step Act
    reduced penalties and eliminated the three-strike mandatory life
    sentence provision for certain non-violent offenders. This legislation
    also expanded judges' discretion to impose sentences that are below the
    mandatory minimum for drug offenders with little or no criminal history.
    Additionally, it allows certain low-level drug offenders to petition the
    courts for a review of their sentence, which a judge can reduce after
    reviewing all the circumstances, including public safety, criminal
    history, and the nature of the offense. Further, through expanded
    rehabilitative programs my Administration has established in accordance
    with this legislation, inmates are receiving training and education to
    help them develop skills that will help them re-enter society
    successfully. Based on an assessment of their risk of recidivism and
    needs, inmates that complete some of these programs can secure early release to
    home confinement or a halfway house.
    While we must be tough on crime, we can also be smart about reducing
    recidivism. One of the best ways to break the cycle of crime is to help
    former inmates find rewarding work. That is why my Administration is
    promoting second chance hiring to build on the reforms of the First Step
    Act and help former inmates live crime-free lives. I launched the
    Federal Interagency Crime Prevention and Improving Reentry Council to
    create more second chances for those returning home from prison. We are
    also working to expand Pell Grants to provide education and training to
    inmates before release and providing grants to States to expand their
    use of fidelity bonds to help persons with criminal records find gainful
    employment.
    This month, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who know in their
    hearts that redemption is possible. Second chances are possible only
    through a network of people who believe in themselves and others, former
    inmates determined to improve their lives, judges and public servants
    dedicated to reducing recidivism, and families and community members
    willing to lend their support to people striving to triumph over their
    past mistakes.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2020 as Second
    Chance Month. I call on all Americans to commemorate this month with
    events and activities that raise public awareness

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    about preventing crime
    and providing those who have completed their sentences an opportunity
    for an honest second chance.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
    March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
    fourth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP