Congressman Cleaver Reintroduces Legislation to Remove Transportation Barriers for Formerly Incarcerated Citizens

(Washington, D.C.) - Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), reintroduced the Transportation for Reentry Act, legislation designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into their communities by expanding access to reliable, affordable public transportation during the critical first year after their release.

Each year, approximately 610,000 Americans leave state and federal prisons. While many are eager to find work, attend medical appointments, reunite with family, and rebuild their lives, the cost and availability of transportation often stand in the way.

"Too often, we tell returning citizens to get a job, keep appointments, support their families, and contribute to their communities, while denying them one of the most basic tools needed to accomplish those goals: a reliable way to get there," said Congressman Cleaver. "If we are serious about reducing recidivism, strengthening public safety, and helping people rebuild productive lives, we must remove unnecessary barriers to success. The Transportation for Reentry Act is a practical investment in second chances, safer communities, and a stronger workforce."

"Every person deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life after incarceration, but a lack of transportation to work or a probation meeting can derail their progress. Transportation should never determine whether someone succeeds or is pulled back into the criminal legal system. Rep. Cleaver's Transportation for Reentry Act recognizes that safety means investing in the tools people need to thrive in their communities. Federal programs that remove re-entry barriers and promote economic opportunity are smart justice investments in people, not prisons," said Nina Patel, ACLU Justice Policy & Government Affairs Senior Policy Counsel.

The Transportation for Reentry Act would expand the Federal Public Transportation Program to provide eligible individuals recently released from incarceration with up to one year of free public transportation, helping connect them to employment opportunities, education, healthcare, substance use treatment, housing resources, and other critical community services.

Specifically, the legislation would:

• Establish a new Public Transportation Reentry Service, funded at $40 million annually from FY2027 through FY2031, to provide free transit services for eligible returning citizens
• Authorize the U.S. Department of Transportation to reimburse participating transit agencies, provide technical assistance, and promote awareness of the program
• Direct public transit agencies to establish localized enrollment and service systems for returning citizens
• Require a Government Accountability Office evaluation of the program's implementation and effectiveness to inform future improvements

Research consistently shows that stable employment, housing, and access to community resources significantly reduce the likelihood that formerly incarcerated individuals will reoffend. Reliable transportation is often the first step toward achieving each of those goals.

The Transportation for Reentry Act is cosponsored by Reps. Wesley Bell (D-MO), André Carson (D-IN), Troy Carter (D-LA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Valerie Foushee (D-NC), Maxwell Frost (D-FL), Robert Garcia (D-CA), Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Jonathan Jackson (D-IL), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Hank Johnson (D-GA), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), and Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

The Transportation for Reentry Act is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Prison Policy Initiative, Tzedek Association, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), and the Formerly Incarcerated, Convicted People and Families Movement (FICPFM).

View full bill text 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.