Spotlight Announcement

12/20/2007: Second Chance Act Action in the Senate Postponed until 2008

Attempts to pass the Second Chance Act (H.R. 1593/S. 1060) in the Senate before the end of the year stalled yesterday despite the best efforts by bill sponsors. Senate leadership hoped to bring the bill to the floor under unanimous consent rules, a process that allows legislation to pass without procedural hurdles or floor debate. Despite broad bipartisan support, Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL) stopped that process by putting a hold on the bill.

Senators Arlen Specter (R-PA), Joe Biden (D-DE), and Sam Brownback (R-KS) are working closely with Sessions to address his concerns and place the bill back on the calendar for a vote early next year.

The legislation, which was passed by the House on November 13 by an overwhelming 347-62 vote, authorizes a grant program for state and local governments to develop reentry initiatives, as well as a reentry program for community and faith-based organizations to deliver mentoring and transitional services.

For more information on the SCA, please click here or contact Sara Paterni.