William F. Smith: “I rise in support of the ``Second Chance Act of 2007.'' I commend Chairman Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Scott…”

“I rise in support of the ``Second Chance Act of 2007.'' I commend Chairman Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Scott, along with Ranking Member Mr. Forbes, and Representatives Chris Cannon, Danny Davis, Howard Coble, and Stephanie Tubbs-Jones for their commitment to the issue of prisoner re-entry. I also want to thank Minority Whip Roy Blunt for his tireless dedication to this legislation. Congressman Blunt and his staff devoted countless hours to bicameral and bipartisan negotiations to reach a consensus on this important legislation. The new bill, which is modeled on prior versions, is an excellent example of bipartisan cooperation on important criminal justice matters. This bill represents a common sense approach to addressing the problems posed by prisoner reentry. President Bush stated in his 2004 State of the Union address: ``We know from long experience that if [former prisoners] can't find work, or a home, or help, they are much more likely to commit more crimes and return to prison. . . . America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path ahead should lead to a better life.'' The Second Chance Act of 2007 implements the President's initiative. I believe in tough enforcement of our criminal laws. Public safety is essential to a free society, and criminals must be aggressively prosecuted and incarcerated to protect our communities.”