The Senate passed a resolution on Apr. 29 designating April 2026 as “Second Chance Month,” aiming to raise awareness about the barriers faced by formerly incarcerated individuals after their release.
The resolution, introduced by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Amy Klobuchar, seeks to highlight the challenges of reentry for those with criminal records and encourage efforts to support their successful reintegration into society. The measure is intended to promote policies that help remove obstacles related to employment, housing, and education.
According to the resolution, approximately 80 million Americans have a criminal record. In North Dakota alone, around 1,800 people are incarcerated while another 6,000 are under community supervision. Individuals who have been incarcerated even once are nearly seven times more likely than others to experience homelessness. The initiative calls attention to these statistics and underscores the importance of providing opportunities for successful reentry.
Cramer said: “Way too often, the conversation around criminal justice ends at punishment,” “I think, instead of dwelling on incarceration, we really ought to focus on what comes next. Our resolution simply recognizes the importance of another chance and ensuring individuals have another shot at rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and most importantly, contributing to their communities. Those who have reconciled with society deserve an opportunity to succeed, and Second Chance Month really reinforces that commitment.”
Klobuchar added: “As a former prosecutor, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing those who have been formerly incarcerated,” “People are capable of change and many deserve a second chance. This bipartisan resolution to recognize ‘Second Chance Month’ will bring awareness to these barriers and promote opportunities for those who have served their time to access stable jobs, continue their education, and become productive members of society again.”
The legislation has received endorsements from organizations including Prison Fellowship and the American Correctional Association.
Cramer has engaged directly with reentry programs in North Dakota during visits such as meeting participants in Prison Fellowship Academy at North Dakota State Penitentiary. He also toured initiatives like Restoring Promises Unit—focused on accountability through peer mentorship—and Rough Rider Industries which provides job skills training.
Cramer assists North Dakotans with federal agencies for issue resolution according to his official website. He grew up in Kindred, North Dakota according to his official website and earned degrees from Concordia College (bachelor’s) and University of Mary (master’s in management) according to his official website. Before joining the Senate he served three terms as North Dakota’s at-large representative in the U.S. House according to his official website. Cramer serves on Senate committees including Environment and Public Works; Veterans’ Affairs; Banking; Housing; and Urban Affairs according to his official website. He has five children with his wife Kris along with eight grandchildren according to his official website.
