The U.S. House of Representatives on May 21 voted 392-2 to approve a bipartisan bill cosponsored by U.S. Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) that would establish an independent inspections regime for the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The Federal Prison Oversight Act, H.R. 3019, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath (D-GA), on May 22 advanced to the U.S. Senate, which referred it to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.
“I am encouraged that the Federal Prison Oversight Act passed the House, and we are one step closer to a more cost-effective federal prison system,” Rep. Armstrong said. “There aren’t many times in Congress where you can pass legislation that changes people’s lives for the better, so I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this legislation, add accountability to the federal prison system, and work to stop the cycle of crime and addiction.”
If enacted, H.R. 3019 would require the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General to conduct risk-based evaluations of BOP facilities. An inspection of a facility may be announced or unannounced and higher risk facilities would receive more frequent inspections, according to the congressional record bill summary.
“Criminal justice is not a red or a blue issue, it’s not a liberal or a conservative issue — it is a smart policy issue,” said Rep. Armstrong.
Additionally, H.R. 3019 would establish an ombudsman within the DOJ who would receive complaints, make inquiries, recommend actions, and decline to investigate or take action, the summary says, and would prohibit BOP retaliation against any person or entity that has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, investigation, or inspection under the bill.
“Today’s vote marks significant progress in our work to make needed reforms to protect the staff and incarcerated individuals in our federal prison system,” Rep. McBath said in a May 21 statement. “I look forward to swift passage of this legislation in the Senate.”
U.S. Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Mike Braun (R-IN) introduced the companion bill in their chamber.
The bill has garnered support from Families Against Mandatory Minimums, The Prison Fellowship, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and the Due Process Institute.