Fudge-Sponsored Measure to Review Nation's Criminal Justice System Passes House

Press Release

On July 27, 2010, the House of Representatives passed the National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2010 (HR 5143), introduced by Congresspersons Marcia Fudge (D-OH), Bill Delahunt (D-MA), Darrell Issa (R-CA), and Tom Rooney (R-FL). Praising the bill's passage, Congresswoman Fudge released the following statement:

"The House's endorsement of the Commission is a major victory as the bill moves towards final passage. My constituents believe a thorough examination of America's criminal justice system is needed, and I agree.

"Our Nation has approximately 5% of the world's population, but roughly 25% of the world's prison population. Almost 1 of every 45 adults is currently behind bars, which is five times the world's average incarceration rate. These rates indicate inconsistencies and flaws within our judicial system. This must change.

"African Americans are far more likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses than other groups. We represent only 12% of the U.S. population, but 74% of America's drug offenders who have been sentenced to prison. This must change.

"If we fail to implement effective reform, our Nation will continue to spend more on prisons while depleting already financially stressed state budgets. As significantly, we will not make our communities safer or reduce high recidivism rates.

"I look forward to the day we receive the Commission's report. Then we can begin the crucial task of reforming and improving America's ailing criminal justice system."

The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2010, was introduced in the Senate as S. 714 by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA). The bill has received widespread bipartisan support and has 39 cosponsors in the Senate.

Source