Federal Prison Oversight Act

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McBATH. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to be the lead sponsor of H.R. 3019, the Federal Prison Oversight Act. I am proud to rise in support of this bipartisan legislation today.

My son, Jordan Davis, was killed when he was 17 years old by a man who is now serving a life sentence in prison. Through my family's pain, I have found the strength, believe it or not, to actually forgive my son's killer.

I introduced this bill after I heard from families and advocates about alarming corruption, misconduct, and a lack of oversight in this country's prison systems that has led to tragedy and loss for far too many families across this Nation.

As legislators here in Congress, we have the power to lead policies that help to restore trust and transparency within these systems. I introduced the Federal Prison Oversight Act out of the belief that everyone deserves to be treated humanely and with respect. My bill will establish a Federal framework for comprehensive risk-based inspections of Federal prisons to identify areas of improvement.

High-risk work is not something to be taken lightly. For the brave men and women working within our prison system, this is their daily routine. They protect and care for others while risking their lives because they believe in the power of rehabilitation.

As their elected officials, we have the duty to make sure the roofs over their heads will not cave in on them. We have a duty to make sure that their systems are updated and that there are medical services and mental health resources necessary to protect themselves, incarcerated individuals, and everyone who may live near these facilities.

Our prison system should be one that rehabilitates Americans whenever possible, providing for long and healthy lives. The steps outlined in our bill will help to improve recidivism rates and make sure that our prisons are held accountable while implementing evidence-based programs.

I have had the opportunity to speak with the new Federal Director for the Bureau of Prisons. She has been in my office. I have had good, healthy conversations with her.

Passing this bill, I truly believe, is a first step in the right direction to protecting the rights of the administrators, the staff, and those who are actually serving their time.

I thank Representative Armstrong here in the House, as well as Senator Ossoff in the Senate. I thank Chair Comer and Ranking Member Raskin for moving this bill through committee, and I thank all the committee members who saw the importance and the value of this bill and the value of trying to rehabilitate individuals who can be rehabilitated and reintroduced again into society to be successful human beings.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this bill.

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