In one respect, this should not be surprising. It has been a prevalent view for some time that the primary purpose of prison should be rehabilitation and behavior modification. Making life behind bars comfortable is supposed to further that goal. I strongly disagree and believe the voice of the people needs to be heard on this issue. The purpose of prison is, and should be, punishment, first and foremost.
Punishment represents basic justice at a fundamental level.
My bill will condition federal prison funds to insure that prison inmates are exposed to full-time work and serious education. By reducing costs through limiting amenities and by generating income through enhanced work requirements,, it will also be possible to move toward greater self-sufficiency in our prison system, as some other countries have done. Prisons should not resemble resorts. Dance lessons, basketball courts, cable Tv, and similar amenities Americans associate with leisure time are the fruits of freedom. If inmates feel deprived without them, good.