Cory Booker: “I rise today to support the introduction of the Restoring Education and Learning Act of 2016, REAL Act, legislation to…”

“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.…”