Biden Enacts Legislation to Enhance Oversight of Federal Prisons

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden has enacted a new law aimed at bolstering oversight of the federal Bureau of Prisons, following alarming reports of systemic corruption and abuse within the agency. The legislation, introduced by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in 2022, comes in response to an investigation by the Senate Homeland Security Committee, which Ossoff chaired. The bill received bipartisan support, with Reps. Kelly Armstrong, R-N.D., and Lucy McBath, D-Ga., backing its House version. The newly signed law establishes an independent federal prison ombudsman tasked with collecting inmate complaints through a secure hotline and online platform. This ombudsman will investigate and report on dangerous conditions affecting the health, safety, and rights of both inmates and staff. Additionally, the Justice Department’s inspector general is mandated to conduct inspections and report findings to Congress, requiring the Bureau of Prisons to respond with corrective action plans within 60 days. Bureau of Prisons Director Colette Peters praised the legislation, emphasizing its potential to enhance existing oversight efforts. She noted that the bill would facilitate quicker identification of issues within the prison system, which has been plagued by staff shortages and deteriorating conditions, as highlighted by recent inspections revealing serious deficiencies. The Bureau of Prisons, the largest law enforcement agency in the Justice Department, oversees over 158,000 inmates and operates with an annual budget of approximately $8 billion. Ongoing investigations continue to expose significant flaws within the agency, raising concerns about the treatment of inmates and the overall integrity of the federal prison system.