Rep. Cleaver, Senator Schiff Introduce Legislation to Increase Education and Literacy Opportunities for Incarcerated Americans

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced legislation to support the education and skills training of incarcerated Americans, aiming to improve opportunities upon their release. The Rehabilitation through Reading Act enables individuals in custody to challenge book bans and provides greater transparency around Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) book bans by requiring the BOP to establish an independent commission to review decisions by BOP officials to ban books at facilities and give incarcerated individuals an opportunity to appeal those decisions, and set guidelines for what books can and cannot be banned.

Additionally, Senator Schiff introduced the Prison Libraries Act in the Senate, bipartisan legislation introduced by Congressman Cleaver, along with Reps Shontel Brown (D-OH) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC), earlier this year.

"Access to wide-ranging and quality books offer incarcerated Americans the opportunity to learn and sharpen valuable skills that will assist in their reintegration into society, helping them turn the page to a new chapter and better life," said Congressman Cleaver. "I'm thankful for Senator Schiff's partnership in introducing the Prison Libraries Act and the Rehabilitation through Reading Act as we seek to expand library resources in correctional facilities nationwide, thereby increasing educational opportunities, reducing recidivism, and creating stronger communities for all."

"Access to books, skills training and educational opportunities improves an individual's chance of successfully reintegrating when returning to the community after a prison sentence," said Senator Schiff. "These bills will help prepare those impacted to re-acclimate to life in the outside world and reduce recidivism. I'm proud to support those efforts."

The Rehabilitation through Reading Act is endorsed by American Library Association, PEN America, ACLU, and Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Californians for Safety and Justice, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California.

The Rehabilitation through Reading Act is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

Official text of the Rehabilitation through Reading Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.