Co-sponsor Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania (R) presented the amendment as not only an issue of justice, but also one of national security:

"I think [ex-felons] are entitled to vote, to have their civil rights restored, and it could be very significant in reintegrating these people into society, saying to them: You have paid your debt; we recognize you as a law-abiding citizen; you have a duty to remain a law-abiding citizen; we will try to assist on the rehabilitation, try to avoid your repeating a crime, a recidivist, and this is reintegration into society" (U.S. Senate Congressional Record 2002, S805, emphasis added).