MANCHIN PUSHES FOR FCC HAZELTON RETENTION PAY, BIPARTISAN PRISON OVERSIGHT REFORMS AFTER DISTURBING DOJ REPORT

Statement

“I am deeply disturbed by this new report on inmate deaths in federal prisons, including at West Virginia’s FCC Hazelton facility. It is far past time we pass legislation to improve oversight and increase transparency to protect both the people working in these facilities and the individuals incarcerated in the federal prison system. We also must address the severe staffing shortages that exacerbate these dangerous environments. In November 2023, I called on BOP Director Colette Peters to approve a 25 percent retention incentive for all staff in good standing at FCC Hazelton and I renew this request.

Today’s report should be a call to action and makes crystal clear that adequate staffing is essential for creating safer and more secure conditions for staff and inmates. While I will continue working with my colleagues to advance commonsense reforms, I call on Director Peters to quickly approve this request.”

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