Collins statement on First Step Act implementation

WASHINGTON — Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and sponsor of the First Step Act, released the following statement following the Justice Department’s announcement about the law. Today the Bureau of Prisons has released the risk and needs assessment tool designed to reduce recidivism as part of its implementation of the First Step Act, which President Trump signed into law last year. “I am very optimistic about the future of the First Step Act because of the faithful implementation we’ve seen so far from the Justice Department. Already, inmates are preparing for new educational opportunities being put in place because of this bipartisan law, while shackling female inmates during childbirth has ended. I’m pleased Attorney General Barr has fully funded the program to prepare men and women for successful employment after their release. “Ultimately, communities and families are looking at a safer, more hopeful future because of the First Step Act. I look forward to seeing how the Bureau of Prisons uses its new risk assessment tool to track the impact its recidivism reduction programs are having over the coming months and years.”