Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) delivered the following opening statement, as prepared, during the markup of H.R. 3372, the One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2021:

"I am proud to support H.R. 3372, 'The One Stop Shop Community Reentry Program Act of 2021.'

"This bipartisan, bicameral legislation, which passed the Committee and the House last Congress, would authorize grants to community organizations to create centralized reentry intake and coordination centers.

"These centers would serve as the home base for individuals recently released from correctional facilities as they go through the difficult process of rejoining their communities.

"At one stop reentry centers, reentering individuals would be provided personalized, step-by-step assistance to access the resources—both public and private—that are needed to successfully integrate back into their communities.

"At the one stop center, reentering individuals would be given assistance at every step of the way—from the moment they are released until they have the capability to fully rejoin their communities.

"This important legislation recognizes that a comprehensive reentry approach is needed to improve reentry outcomes, which ultimately has the effect of improving public safety.

"The bill adopts a 'whole person' approach that would ensure that all elements of a returning individual’s life are supported.  This includes transportation to and from appointments, temporary housing, assistance applying for benefits, and job training.

"Additionally, for those who have formal reentry plans, the one stop community reentry centers proposed by this bill would also provide case management and wrap-around support.

"The challenges faced by individuals returning from prison are great, and they warrant the type of support the One Stop Community Reentry Program Act would authorize.

"Unfortunately, the reentry support services that many prisoners receive while incarcerated do not sufficiently prepare them for the transition back to their communities.  

"Many incarcerated individuals also have preexisting conditions that make reentry even more difficult.  Physical disabilities, mental health concerns, and substance abuse issues further complicate reentry plans and additional support, like those detailed in H.R. 3372, are needed to promote successful outcomes.  

"Specialists employed at one stop centers can build relationships with providers, private groups, religious organizations, and public agencies to build networks of support that will help returning individuals get the care and support they need to succeed.

"Inadequate reentry support leads to recidivism and unnecessary financial strain on the community.  Both the short- and long-term costs associated with incarceration pale in comparison against the minimal front-end costs associated with a successful reentry.

"Of the few studies that have assessed the effectiveness of reentry services, a number have found that more robust and comprehensive reentry services are better at reducing recidivism and promoting the long-term success of reentering individuals.  

"This bill offers greater opportunities for success for individuals returning from prison, as well as their communities.

"I thank Representative Bass, Representative Reschenthaler, and their bipartisan cosponsors, for introducing this important legislation again, and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the bill."