The prison-reform bill would ease the way for some prisoners to win early release to halfway houses or home confinement, according to Reuters, and aims to establish programs to head off repeat offenders and protect first-time non-violent offenders from harsh mandatory minimum sentences.

"It's something that's so important to the faith community. I believe the heart of the First Step Act is redemption. It's actually an opportunity to give nonviolent prisoners a chance to rebuild their lives. If they, through years of good record and contributing and taking care of their families, do right, then they can actually have the word 'felon' taken off their permanent record. They'll be able to get better jobs and build their families for generations with blessing instead of the curse of having that word," Jentezen Franklin previously told Charisma.

Major faith leaders, including key Pentecostal preachers, advocated for the legislation and praised the vote as a groundbreaking step forward that can advance the Kingdom of God.

Here's what they are saying:

Johnnie Moore, member of President Donald Trump's unofficial evangelical advisory board:

This entire effort originated at Jared and Ivanka's table during a dinner for evangelicals in the White House on the eve of the National Day of Prayer in 2017. Sitting just one seat over, I will never forget listening to Rev. Samuel Rodriguez and Jared Kushner discussing their shared passion to reform America's prisons. What began with the evangelical community became one of the single greatest moments of bipartisan unity in the last 30 years. It wouldn't have happened without our community, brave Democrats (like Van Jones) who would stand with the administration for justice and—most of all—the tireless and brilliant work of Jared Kushner, who brought us and held us together.

James Ackerman, president and chief executive officer of Prison Fellowship:

We applaud the Senate for taking a bold step for federal criminal justice reform by passing the First Step Act. This legislation will help reduce recidivism by preparing men and women to fulfill their God-given potential through restorative programming, including improved substance-abuse treatment programs, life-skills classes, and vocational training—building job readiness to fuel local economies. This is about getting smart on crime by giving men and women, made in the image of God, the tools to change their lives."

[Some took to Twitter to comment on the Senate's passage of the First Step Act]:

Jentezen Franklin:
Thank u @RepDougCollins! This is fantastic news!

Rep. Doug Collins:
Tonight's Senate vote represents hope for families who want to see our criminal justice system prioritize public safety and rehabilitation. I applaud @ChuckGrassley, @JohnCornyn, & @sendavidperdue
for their leadership on the #FirstStepAct—we simply wouldn't be here without them.

Yechezkel Moskowitz:
Congrats to my friends @PastorDScott and @realkareemdream... here's the deal, @POTUS @realDonaldTrump would have not pulled this off without you guys. You are American heros and I'm sure you make all us Americans proud. #MazalTov #PrisonReform #FirstStepAct #MAGA

Paula White-Cain:
What an awesome victory for all Americans with an 87-12 vote for the #FirstStepAct with Prison Reform! I am grateful and honored to all who worked so hard to get this done, especially Jared Kushner! I believe in second chances and redemption! #changinglives

Vice President Mike Pence:
Congratulations to US Senate for passing @POTUS' Criminal Justice Reform with an overwhelming Bipartisan vote tonight! The First Step Act will reduce recidivism, make communities safer & save taxpayer dollars. House should vote to send this HISTORIC reform to @POTUS' desk ASAP!

President Donald J. Trump:
America is the greatest Country in the world and my job is to fight for ALL citizens, even those who have made mistakes. Congratulations to the Senate on the bi-partisan passing of a historic Criminal Justice Reform Bill....

Russell Moore:
Thank you, United States Senate. The #FirstStepAct has been a long time in the making, and it is a good and needed development.

ERLC:
The U.S. Senate just passed the bipartisan First Step Act by a vote of 87-12. This criminal justice reform bill has been a key part of our legislative agenda and we are thankful for the broad coalition that led to this victory!

Craig DeRoche, senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, Prison Fellowship:

Ninety-five percent of those who are incarcerated today will eventually be released back into our neighborhoods—failing to prepare people returning from prison endangers communities and wastes human potential. Today, the Senate refused to double down on the failed policies of the past. The First Step Act's passage reflects America's growing demand for smarter and more restorative solutions to crime. Subscribe for free to Breaking Christian News here

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

'We've Seen Incredible Revival': Nearly 70 Inmates Transformed by the Power of God

Archaeologists Uncover Hidden 1,600-Year-Old Christian Church Buried for Centuries

Canadian Wildfire Smoke Chokes Northern US as Flooding Slams Texas

UC San Fran Chancellor Refuses to Say If Men Can Have Babies

Former Historic Baptist Church Becomes a Mosque in This Virginia Town, and Mayor Celebrates Muslim Call to Prayer

Islamunist Mamdani's Claim that Sexual Assaults in NYC are Rising Because of 'Expanded Definition' Dismisses 'R*pe Jihad' in the Big Apple

GOP Grills AG Nominee on Abortion Drug and Trump Admin Priorities

'It Doesn't Get Bigger': Trump Drops Hint on Today's Yuge Primetime Announcement

Vice President Vance Takes Shots at Senate on Joe Rogan Episode for Delaying SAVE America Act

House Passes SAVE America Act as Part of MUST-PASS National Security Bill; Now on to the Senate

Skeptical Doctor Shocked After Blind Son's Miracle Healing, Husband's Near-Death Experience

Louisiana Pastor Sues Library After Being Fired over Preferred Pronouns

Trans Athletes Drop Challenge to New Hampshire Women's Sports Law

30,000 'Trojan Horses': Europe and Britain Face Muslim Domination and Escalating Threat of Civil War

Consumer Prices See Steepest Monthly DECLINE in More Than Six Years in June

Documents Reveal: Democrat Special Counsel Jack Smith Spied on, Lied to Congress

The Deal Ensuring Conservatives' Border Security and SAVE America Act

Speaker Mike Johnson Issues Serious Warning About Communism and the DSA: 'This is Not a Game' (VIDEO)

Revival Grips Brazil's Amazon: 'God Is Everything for Me'

More Arson? Investigators Sift Through Ashes at Landmark 173-Year-Old Church Searching for Clues