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Legislation establishing independent oversight of the federal prison system introduced by two members of Georgia’s congressional delegation is on its way to President Joe Biden’s desk.
The U.S. Senate gave final passage to the bipartisan bill on Wednesday. The House of Representatives already had passed the measure in May.
The legislation requires the Justice Department’s Inspector General to conduct comprehensive inspections of the federal Bureau of Prisons’ 122 correctional facilities and provide recommendations to fix whatever problems it uncovers. The bureau will have 60 days to respond to all inspection reports with a corrective action plan.
The bill also establishes an independent ombudsman to investigate the health, safety, welfare, and rights of incarcerated people and staff. The ombudsman’s office will create a secure hotline and online form for family members, friends, and representatives of incarcerated people to submit complaints.
“This is a major milestone,” said Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., who led an investigation into the federal prison system two years ago. Ossoff joined Republican Sen. Mike Braun of Indiana in introducing the bill.
“My bipartisan Senate investigations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct in the federal prison system have revealed an urgent need to overhaul federal prison oversight,” Ossoff added. “I now look forward to President Biden signing our bipartisan bill into law.”
U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath, D-Marietta, joined Republican Rep. Kelly Armstrong of North Dakota in introducing a companion bill in the House.
“The passage of my federal prison oversight legislation in the Senate marks a new step forward in ensuring accountability to protect staff and incarcerated individuals in our federal prisons,” McBath said Wednesday. “When Republicans and Democrats come together, we can deliver common-sense solutions for the American people.”