April 9, 2024
The Honorable James ComerChair, House Oversight Committee
2410 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
We, the undersigned organizations, write today to urge you to support and advance the Federal
Prison Oversight Act (H.R. 3019). We strongly support this effort to improve the Bureau ofPrisons (BOP) because it is aligned with our core values of ensuring government accountability
and improving public safety. This common sense legislation accomplishes these goals byincreasing accountability in our prison system, preventing harm to both those living and working
in these facilities, and providing transparency for those individuals serving to keep prisons safe
as well as the public at large.
America’s prison system is in crisis. Our support of independent prison oversight stems from
irrefutable evidence of failure that puts corrections officers and those they oversee at risk ofserious injury, exemplified by facilities that are overcrowded, understaffed, underfunded, unsafe,
and in a state of dangerous disrepair. The absence of oversight has given rise to a prison systemthat is rampant with abuse, neglect, and mismanagement, making rehabilitation difficult andendangering everyone who lives and works in a federal prison. The Federal Bureau of Prisons(BOP) employs over 34,000 people and is responsible for the care of over 150,000 people with abudget north of $8 billion. Still, the BOP has historically operated with little transparency andaccountability. The BOP should be safer and more productive for the people who reside andwork in their facilities, and more accountable and transparent to taxpayers. We know that whencorrectional officers are given the proper resources and prisoners are provide to pathways torehabilitation there is a direct increase in public safety through reduced recidivism rates.
An independent oversight agency is key to improving outcomes in the federal prison system.
H.R.3019 contains two main provisions to improve the safety and accountability of our federal
prison system. Under the Federal Prison Oversight Act the BOP would be subject to independent
oversight by the Department of Justice’s Office of Inspector General (IG) and individualcomplaints would be investigated by an independent Ombudsman. Incidences of violence against
staff and incarcerated people, inhumane living and working conditions, overuse of augmentation,
abuse and neglect, crumbling infrastructure and lack of accountability from leadership havebecome too common. This legislation is a powerful tool that benefits correctional staff,
incarcerated individuals, and communities across the country.
In a national poll, 82% of Americans said they believe there should be a system of independent
oversight of our federal prisons. Support for H.R.3019 benefits not only individuals who areincarcerated, correctional staff, and communities, but also members of Congress. Equipped with
the insights of an oversight body that conducts routine inspections, investigates systemic issues,collects and analyzes data, and reports its findings, you and your colleagues can make more
informed policy and appropriations decisions. These decisions can save lives and ensurecorrectional staff can focus on fostering a safe environment behind bars which leads to successwhen incarcerated individuals return to society.
We thank you for your consideration and markup of the Federal Prison Oversight Act and urge
the committee to advance this urgently needed legislation.
Sincerely,FAMM
Niskanen Center
National District Attorneys Association
Prison Fellowship
Justice Action Network
Due Process InstituteArnold Ventures