Ranking Member Lucy McBath delivered a powerful opening statement at the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, focusing on the urgent need for reform within the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Highlighting the ongoing issues stemming from decades of underfunding, McBath emphasized that the safety and well-being of over 50,000 federal inmates and 35,000 staff members are at risk due to limited resources.

McBath pointed to the troubling conditions at the Federal Correctional Institution Dublin in California, where female inmates have faced severe abuse, including harassment and retaliation for speaking out. The abrupt closure of FCI Dublin last year has left many inmates displaced and vulnerable in new facilities, where reports of bullying and inadequate living conditions have surfaced.

In her remarks, McBath underscored the importance of the First Step Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at reducing recidivism through rehabilitation programs. She noted that participants in these programs are 55% less likely to reoffend, stressing that without proper investment in such initiatives, the cycle of incarceration will continue, leaving inmates ill-prepared for reintegration into society.

Additionally, McBath advocated for the Federal Prison Oversight Act, which mandates more frequent inspections of high-risk facilities and requires the BOP to respond to inspection findings promptly. She called for bipartisan support to ensure these reforms are funded and implemented effectively, stating, “Together, I truly believe we can not only improve BOP but improve the lives of those who serve time in the facilities.”

As the committee moves forward, McBath's remarks serve as a clarion call for immediate action to address the systemic issues within the BOP, ensuring that the rights and safety of inmates are prioritized and that they have the opportunity to reintegrate successfully into their communities.