Second Chance Funding: 95 Congressmembers Join Bipartisan Call for Reentry Services

Congressmembers Danny K. Davis and Carol Miller

A bipartisan group of 95 House members, led by Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), has joined a letter urging continued funding for the Second Chance Act in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 in the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill.

In the same week, a bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House also pushed for continued appropriations funding of two other public safety programs—the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program and the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

Signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2008 and reauthorized by President Trump in 2018, the Second Chance Act has maintained strong bipartisan support across administrations. In FY 2026, Congress appropriated $111 million for Second Chance Act programs, which provide recidivism-reduction and reentry services—including housing assistance, career training and job placement, and substance use disorder and mental health treatment.

Since the act’s passage in 2008, state-level reincarceration rates have dropped 23% nationwide, and Second Chance Act programs have helped more than 442,000 people in 49 states and the District of Columbia reintegrate into their communities. From 2009 to 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice awarded over 1,300 Second Chance Act grants to 871 state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, as well as reentry-focused organizations.

“In West Virginia, we know how important it is to provide everyone with opportunities to succeed. The Second Chance Act is an important component of my efforts to reduce recidivism rates and increase public safety. When we invest in our communities and put in place strong reentry services and supports for people released from prisons and jails, we build stronger and safer communities,” said Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV).

“At least 95% of people incarcerated in state prisons will be released back to their communities at some point. Research suggests that, without support, more than two-thirds will be rearrested within three years of their release, and half will be re-incarcerated. However, when individuals returning from prison are able to access the services they need to rebuild their lives, the families and communities they return to are stronger and safer,” said Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL).

Read the full letter.