To: The United States House of Representatives and The United States Senate

America has a justice problem.

Tell members of Congress: Our justice system should rehabilitate, not just incarcerate. Please support the REDEEM Act.

Why is this important?

Our country has departed from one of its bedrock principles: that America is a nation founded on second chances at opportunity.

The U.S. has 5% of the world's total population, but 25% of the world's prison population is incarcerated within our borders -- the vast majority in prison for nonviolent offenses. That's not justice.

I've introduced the REDEEM Act to remove some of the high barriers Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes face when trying to reenter society after serving their time. The bill will help them find a job, support their families, and -- most importantly for their communities -- keep from reoffending. The REDEEM Act provides a federal sealing pathway for nonviolent adult ex-offenders, automatically seals the records of nonviolent juvenile offenders, and lifts the lifetime ban on receiving federal benefits like pell grants. In short, the REDEEM Act introduces rehabilitation to a system focused too much on punishment alone.

I'm standing up to say that rehabilitation isn't just better policy -- it's a moral imperative. Will you stand with me?

Tell members of Congress: our justice system should rehabilitate, not just incarcerate.