RECOGNIZING SECOND CHANCE MONTH

On 2026-04-23, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING SECOND CHANCE MONTH" in the House. The speech addressed infrastructure.

RECOGNIZING SECOND CHANCE MONTH

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 72 (Thursday, April 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H3077] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING SECOND CHANCE MONTH (Mr. BELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Second Chance Month to raise awareness of the challenges faced by millions of individuals with criminal records transitioning back into society. Every day, individuals with criminal records are held back from the opportunity to rejoin society and contribute. Instead of letting their past define them, we must create pathways that allow these folks to rewrite their histories. As a former prosecutor, I am passionate about diversion programs that help low-level, nonviolent offenders, especially, avoid incarceration by connecting them with the treatment, support, and life-skills training to break the cycle of recidivism. That is why I introduced the BRIDGE Act last month, which expands pathways to employment and economic freedom for justice-impacted adults and youth. One bad situation should not define a person's entire story. Let's give people a second chance to make a better life for themselves. When we do so, it has the added benefit of also making our communities safer. ____________________