Congressmen Cohen and Rutherford Reintroduce the RESTORE Act

WASHINGTON - Congressmen Steve Cohen (TN-9) and John Rutherford (FL-5) reintroduced the bipartisan Re-Entry Support Through Opportunities for Resources and Essentials (RESTORE) Act, to repeal the ban on SNAP benefits for drug offenders and allow them to apply to the program before their release dates. The bill would also codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) waiver that allows ex-offenders to apply for SNAP up to 30 days before they are released, increasing the likelihood they will be able to meet basic needs as soon as they re-enter society.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Thousands of people released from state and federal prisons each year re-enter society and find serious challenges, including the lifetime ban on receiving food assistance. The RESTORE Act would repeal the 1996 ban on people with drug felony convictions receiving SNAP, and it would allow them to apply for the program before their release so that they can meet their basic needs on day one, reducing the likelihood of recidivism and increasing the quality of life for people hoping to readapt and thrive in their communities. I am pleased to be working with Congressman Rutherford on this needed reform."

Congressman Rutherford made the following statement:

"As co-chair of the Second Chance Reentry Task Force, I am focused on reducing barriers for those reentering society as they try to make a fresh start. I am proud to cosponsor the RESTORE Act, which will help reduce recidivism by opening up important nutrition and food resources to formerly incarcerated individuals."

The measure is endorsed by many re-entry assistance and nutrition advocacy groups, including the Drug Policy Alliance.

"Putting food on the table for your family is a basic right and the cornerstone of a healthy, stable life. Denying someone with a prior drug felony conviction access to SNAP undercuts this basic right and increases the likelihood of that person being re-arrested and returning to jail," said Hanna Sharif-Kazemi, Federal Policy Manager with Drug Policy Alliance. "In light of recent changes to SNAP, it is more urgent than ever to close the gaps that deny people this vital support as they reenter society. Passing the RESTORE Act is essential to reducing hunger, breaking cycles of incarceration, and strengthening our communities."

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