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Louis L. Reed (Leading with Conviction™ 2017) writes in The Hill:
“Signed in 2008 by President George W. Bush, the Second Chance Act funds state and local programs that help incarcerated people reenter their communities.
“Ten years later, Trump signed the First Step Act, which modified mandatory minimums, expanded opportunities for people to earn time credits toward early release and increased access to rehabilitative and vocational programs.
“Many were surprised when Trump, who had promised tougher sentences as he campaigned for office, championed the First Step Act. But he pressured Republicans in Congress to support it and enthusiastically signed it into law, calling it proof that ‘America is a nation that believes in redemption.’
Criminal justice reform … offers a rare opportunity for common ground
“In his second term, Trump has sent mixed signals so far. His Justice Department cut more than $500 million in state and local criminal justice grants, and Attorney General Pam Bondi rolled out new tough-on-crime policies.
“At the same time, Trump created a new ‘pardon czar’ position to advise him on presidential clemency decisions, appointing Alice Marie Johnson — who served over 20 years in federal prison before receiving clemency from Trump — to the role.
“The latest advancement came in June when Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III directed the bureau to fully implement both the Second Chance Act and First Step Act.
“Declaring ‘the dawn of a new era,’ Marshall promised the policy change would save money, reduce strains on corrections staff and facilities and make it easier for many incarcerated people to return home and contribute to society.
“This latter point is the centerpiece of the First Step Act. The act allows low-risk individuals who complete rehabilitative programs to earn ‘time credits’ which can be applied toward early release or to serve the remainder of their sentences in home confinement or residential reentry centers.
“Since its passage, the First Step Act has proven effective. … Yet challenges remain. Despite receiving more than $400 million annually under the First Step Act, the Bureau of Prisons has long claimed it lacks the contract capacity to support home confinement and reentry centers.
“There has also been confusion about whether the First Step Act and Second Chance Act could be applied simultaneously. Both the Biden and Trump administrations initially said they could not, before allowing it.
“The new Bureau of Prisons policy promises to solve these issues, but its success will depend on implementation. The director’s message must reach and be embraced by all corners of the system. …
“In the early months of Trump’s second term, we have seen America’s political divides on display, from the ‘big beautiful bill’ to the bombing of Iran to new tariffs.
“Criminal justice reform should be an exception. It offers a rare opportunity for common ground — a chance to advance solutions that make our communities both safer and more just.”
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