FreedomWorks Statement in Response to Passage of Fair Chance Act Amendment to NDAA

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to Reps. Doug Collins’ (R-Ga.) and Elijah Cummings’ (D-Md.) Fair Chance Act amendment 120 (#69) being adopted by voice vote to the House’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), H.R. 2500, Jason Pye, FreedomWorks Vice President of Legislative Affairs, commented:

“We are thrilled to see the inclusion of such a critical piece of the criminal justice reform puzzle in the House version of the NDAA. As with the smart-on-crime policies included in the First Step Act, states and localities have proven that fair chance hiring practices work to reduce crime and boost the economy.”

“We cannot expect those returning to society from prison to succeed in our country if they cannot secure gainful employment. The Fair Chance Act helps to give them a fair shake at this.”

“The federal government must continue to adopt best practices from across the country on criminal justice reform. Continued criminal justice reform efforts at the federal level, particularly second chance initiatives, encourages states, localities, and private sector players to employ such practices without mandating them, but simply through leading by example.”