Statement On The Introduction Of The Senate Companion Measure To The REAL Act

Statement

Today, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (MD-4) released the following statement on the introduction of the Senate companion bill to H.R. 2521, the Restoring Education and Learning (REAL) Act. The companion measure, S. 3122, was introduced by Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI), along with support from Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Al Franken (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Ben Cardin (D-MD). The REAL Act was originally introduced in 2015 by Rep. Edwards, along with several of her colleagues including Reps. Bobby Scott (VA-03) and Danny K. Davis (IL-07).

"I am excited to see the companion bill to H.R. 2521, the REAL Act, introduced in the U.S. Senate," said Congresswoman Edwards. "With the House and Senate working together, we can restore educational opportunities for our incarcerated populations and offer them a second chance through education. Pell grants are crucial to strengthening our nation's future. When we have more people educated and working in the economy our nation is stronger as a whole."

"I am pleased that my colleagues in the Senate have introduced the Restoring Education and Learning Act," said Congressman Scott, Ranking Member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. "Studies have shown that reinstating Pell Grant eligibility for state and federal prisoners will reduce future crime and save more in future costs of incarceration. This can all be done without reducing the eligibility of Pell recipients who aren't incarcerated, and research shows that funding for the Pell restoration program would cost less than 1 percent of total Pell program funding. So we have a choice: reduce crime and save money, or suffer increased crime and spend more money. The REAL Act supports evidence-based methods to improve our criminal justice system that will reduce crime and save money."

"Research is abundantly clear that postsecondary correctional education and training are greatly needed, have tremendous effectiveness, and save taxpayers money," said Congressman Davis. "A lack of federal funding is the primary barrier to correctional education. This is another reason why we need to expand Pell grants and restore eligibility for the incarcerated. Expanding and restoring Pell is a common-sense federal investment that dramatically increases successful reentry and builds stronger communities and families."

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