Rep. Harris Issues Statement in Support of FIRST STEP Act

WASHINGTON, DC: On May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5682, the FIRST STEP Act. The FIRST STEP Act seeks to improve the federal prison system through enhanced prison security and providing inmates with educational and vocational training opportunities. Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (MD-01) issued the following statement after the bill was passed:

"Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan prison reform legislation to make our country safer and more successful. The FIRST STEP Act expands educational, mentoring, and job training opportunities for inmates, setting up inmates to lead productive lives upon release. Inmates with access to such programs are more likely to find work and housing upon release, and have a lower risk of returning to a life of crime. The FIRST STEP Act will strengthen our public safety by reducing the number of inmates who become repeat offenders."