Statements on Introduced Bills and Joint Resolutions

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOOKER. Mr. President, I rise today to support the introduction of the Restoring Education and Learning Act of 2016, REAL Act, legislation to improve our justice system by reinstating Pell Grant eligibility for people in State and Federal prisons. I thank Senator Schatz for his leadership on this issue, and I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this critical bill.

In 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act of 1965, legislation that created the Federal Pell Grant program. Pell Grants are the single largest source of Federal aid that supports undergraduate students. Because Pell Grants are need-based, they primarily go to students from low-income families.

When Congress created the Pell Grant program its intent was clear--to expand access to higher education for students with limited resources. By creating Pell Grants, Congress sent an unmistakable message that our country's most valuable resource is the genius and talent of our people. In an increasingly competitive global economy, investing in the education of all Americans--young and old--helps bolster our country's leadership.

Unfortunately, far too many Americans are not eligible to receive Pell Grants simply because they are behind bars. In 1994, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act completely eliminated Pell Grant eligibility for people who are incarcerated in State and Federal correctional institutions. This is flawed policy. Rather than enhance public safety, this policy change has made our communities less safe and has destroyed the potential of so many Americans who deserve a second chance. It is time we end this failed policy of the past. It is time we work to rebuild these broken individuals and allow them to acquire the skills they need to become contributing members of our society.

Today, I am proud to join with Senator Schatz in introducing the REAL Act. This criminal justice reform bill would restore Pell Grant eligibility for Americans who are in state or Federal Prison. This is important because if we truly want to reform our broken criminal justice system, we need to allow incarcerated people to engage in activities that will make them more prepared for life after prison, which will in turn make them less likely to recidivate. This bill would give returning citizens the tools they need to successfully reintegrate into their communities.

Last week, President Barack Obama announced a $30 million Second Chance Pell Grant pilot program. This program will expand access to Pell Grants for over 12,000 incarcerated students at 141 State and Federal institutions. However, the president's Second Chance Pell Grant pilot program does not extend to all incarcerated people nor does it codify this policy into law. By building on the president's work, the REAL Act would codify into law that prisoners are eligible for Pell Grants.

Our criminal justice system is broken. We lead the globe in the number of people we incarcerate and we waste billions and billions of dollars locking up human potential. Passing the REAL Act would reduce staggeringly high recidivism rates because we know individuals with college degrees are less likely to commit crimes. Additionally, today, more than ever, it is clear that obtaining a college degree has become essential to obtaining employment--a key element in reducing recidivism rates.

By precluding so many people from taking college classes, we are not only hurting those who are behind bars, but we are hurting ourselves. There is an old African saying that if you want to go fast go alone, but if you want to go far go together. This bill will help so many Americans get on the right path and turn their lives around. This bill would make us all stronger.

I am proud to be an original cosponsor of the REAL Act. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I urge its speedy passage in the Senate.

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