Bush signs bill backed by Danny Davis to help ex-convicts

WASHINGTON — President Bush on Wednesday reached across traditional political dividing lines to sign into law a broad program that provides federal grants for assistance to ex-convicts, pointing to his own struggle with alcohol addiction as an example of redemption.

The Second Chance Act represents a bit of accommodation by Bush during his final months in office, even as his relations with congressional Democrats continue to deteriorate over Iraq war policy, housing assistance and, as of Wednesday, an apparently doomed trade agreement with Colombia.

During a signing ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the president was flanked by lawmakers from both parties, including frequent foe Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D-Mich.), who is chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), a key backer of the bill.

The law would provide $326 million in grants to local governments and non-profit groups for programs aimed at departing or former convicts, including housing and medical assistance, drug treatment and employment. [MORE]