(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Right On Crime, a national criminal justice campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, wrote letters of support for the policies and funding for the First Step Act, the Federal Prison Oversight Act, and the Second Chance Act. These laws, rooted in accountability, fiscal responsibility, and public safety, embody conservative principles and represent key components of President Donald Trump’s public safety legacy.

“These initiatives reflect smart, conservative governance—where our criminal justice system and the prisons and wrap around programs deserve the required resources to continue to improve crime reduction and public safety,” said Brett Tolman, former U.S. Attorney and Executive Director of Right On Crime. “We call on Congress to fully fund these laws that are making America safer while stewarding our tax dollars wisely.”

The First Step Act, signed into law by President Trump in 2018, was a groundbreaking bipartisan success aimed at reducing recidivism and enhancing federal prison programming. The law authorized $75 million annually through 2023, and its implementation has yielded remarkable results: recidivism rates for program participants have dropped to just 9.7%, compared to the historical average of nearly 50%. Full funding of this law will ensure its continued success and uphold the conservative goals of reduced crime and improved public safety.

The Federal Prison Oversight Act, enacted in 2024, addresses long-standing transparency and accountability concerns within the Bureau of Prisons. With bipartisan support, this law empowers the U.S. Department of Justice Inspector General to conduct risk-based inspections, create an independent Correctional Ombudsman, and establish secure channels for complaints. Right On Crime urges Congress to allocate $40 million—just 0.5% of the BOP’s annual budget—to implement these safeguards and ensure federal prisons are safe, transparent, and fiscally responsible.

The Second Chance Act, first enacted in 2008 and reauthorized under the Trump Administration in 2018, has a proven track record of helping formerly incarcerated individuals rejoin society successfully. Since its passage, three-year reincarceration rates have dropped by 23%, strengthening communities and lowering crime. Over 442,000 individuals have benefited from Second Chance programs that promote employment, housing, and treatment for behavioral health and addiction—critical components of safe reentry.

“These laws represent an investment in safer communities and smarter government,” said Rachel Wright, National Policy Director for Right On Crime. “Fully funding these laws give people the tools to change their lives while reducing the burdens on taxpayers.”

Right On Crime respectfully urges the Appropriations Subcommittees to provide full funding for the First Step Act, the Federal Prison Oversight Act, and the Second Chance Act—critical policies that have reduced crime, promoted public safety, and delivered real results for the American people.

Click here to see these letters from Right On Crime for full funding:

Right On Crime is a national campaign of the Texas Public Policy Foundation supporting conservative solutions for fewer victims, less crime, and safer communities. The movement was born in Texas in 2007, established as a national campaign in 2010, and leads the way in implementing conservative criminal justice initiatives across the nation that are just, effective, and fiscally responsible. For more information, visit our website at www.RightOnCrime.com.