Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and Rep. Jason Lewis (R-MN), released the following statements upon the final passage of H.R. 6964, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act:

"Today’s passage of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act is a major victory for America’s youth," Chairwoman Foxx said. "With these reforms, we can meet young people right where they are, making enormous progress in prevention and equipping more people to better serve juvenile offenders better and meet the needs of communities. This bill will improve program accountability while promoting evidence-based solutions to give more young adults the tools and skills they need to achieve lifelong success.
 
“Representative Jason Lewis has been a champion for young people through his leadership in making this bipartisan legislation a reality. Helping kids achieve the lives they want for themselves in spite of past challenges is close to his heart, and the Juvenile Justice Reform Act will help these young adults on the path to a better future. I commend Rep. Lewis for his leadership, and Ranking Member Scott for his passionate, steadfast partnership in this effort.”

Ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) said: 

“Today is the culmination of a multi-year, bipartisan effort to improve our juvenile justice system. Rather than setting policy based in slogans and soundbites, the Juvenile Justice Reform Act is guided by the best-available evidence and the best interests of young offenders, at-risk youth, and communities across the country.
 
“This legislation strengthens each of the core protections for children in the juvenile justice system: It ensures children are treated separately – both in approach and location – than adult offenders; it shifts the focus from punishing young people to supporting them through education and programming; and it puts a spotlight on the racial disparities in our juvenile justice system. I am particularly gratified that this bill incorporates key elements of the Youth P.R.O.M.I.S.E. Act, which I have worked on over the last decade, as a proactive way to reduce juvenile delinquency and gang involvement.
 
“Lastly, while the bill reauthorizes the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) through 2020, I look forward to working with my colleagues next Congress on a full reauthorization of RHYA programs that makes needed improvements and recognizes the need for appropriate funding for such programs. I would like to thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) and Representative Jason Lewis (R-MN) for their steadfast work in producing a bill that will change the trajectory for countless young people and strengthen our communities.”

Rep. Jason Lewis (R-MN), sponsor of H.R. 6964, said:

"The Juvenile Justice Reform Act finally prioritizes effective strategies for our juvenile justice system. This historic reauthorization, the first since 2002, has long been recognized as vital by both Republicans and Democrats in the House as well as the Senate. With this legislation in place, we can build safer communities, improve efficiencies and help give troubled kids a second chance to become productive citizens.”

To learn more about the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, click here.

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