Congressman Matt Gaetz Applauds Passage of FIRST STEP Act

Washington, D.C. — Today, by a vote of 360-59, the U.S. House passed H.R. 5682, the FIRST STEP Act, a comprehensive prison reform legislation that aims to lower recidivism rates among prisoners through rehabilitation. The bill included an amendment, reported favorably by the Judiciary Committee, from Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01).

Rep. Gaetz’s amendment implements youth mentorship and dog training programs in at least 20 federal prisons for 5 years. The unamended version of the FIRST STEP Act was limited to ten prisons over two years. In mentorship programs, young inmates are paired with volunteers from faith-based or community organizations, as well as former inmates. In dog training programs, inmates train dogs in various skills, from basic obedience to skills required to be a service or therapy dog.

The legislation, originally sponsored by Reps. Doug Collins (GA-09) and Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), has support from President Trump, Jared Kushner, and Lara Trump. The FIRST STEP Act successfully passed the House Judiciary Committee earlier this year on May 9th.

Following the passage of the bill, Rep. Gaetz issued the following statement:

“I am proud that the House passed the FIRST STEP Act today, legislation that makes important improvements to America’s prison system, and helps keep prisoners from returning to crime upon their release. The President has shown great interest in holistic prison reform. This bill helps achieve his goals. I hope the bill will move swiftly through the Senate — it will be a step forward for America,” Rep. Gaetz said.

Lara Trump, President Trump’s daughter-in-law, has been a long-time advocate for dog programs, such as those authorized by Rep. Gaetz’s amendment. In 2017, she held a meeting of political leaders and Cabinet members in order to advocate for “pets for vets” programs, pairing abandoned pets with veterans. On May 9th, when the FIRST STEP Act and Rep. Gaetz’s amendment were approved by the Judiciary Committee, Trump said:

“I am grateful that the FIRST STEP Act passed; this humane bill improves America’s prison system. The pilot programs authorized by the bill, and strengthened by Mr. Gaetz’s amendment, will improve inmates’ quality of life, and the lives of our four-legged friends. This bill is a step forward for criminal justice reform, and helps animal shelters and abandoned animals nationwide,” said Lara Trump.

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