Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) released the following statement after voting in support of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation to reduce recidivism, reform select sentencing laws, and increase community safety.

“In West Michigan we believe in second chances and the First Step Act takes important steps to give those who have made mistakes the opportunity to turn their lives around. By using evidence-based recidivism reduction programming for federal prisoners, this bipartisan bill provides federal prisoners the opportunity to earn time credits towards a pre-release custody at a halfway house or home confinement. Additionally, this legislation broadens mandatory sentences for violent offenders while including important safeguards to prevent violent offenders from benefiting from reduced sentences. This will keep violent criminals off our streets while helping more people become productive members of society.

“When prison reform legislation originally came through the House, I voted against it because I had concerns about Federal Prison Industries/UNICOR’s ability to undercut manufacturers here in West Michigan. I then went to work with my colleagues in the Senate to change the legislation to ensure prisoners do not displace law-abiding West Michigan workers. I am happy to report the First Step Act will help individuals reclaim their lives, reduce recidivism, and prevent job losses in West Michigan caused by the federal government utilizing prison labor to compete in the private market.”


The First Step Act is supported by: The Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National District Attorney’s Association, Former Federal Prosecutors, FreedomWorks, Faith & Freedom Coalition, Prison Fellowship, American Conservative Union, American Correctional Association, Americans for Prosperity, Heritage Action, Right on Crime, and the American Enterprise Institute.