A new federal prison oversight bill exemplifies what kind of work the Senate should focus on. Spearheaded by Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), it follows extensive bipartisan investigations into federal prisons. Through their investigations, the senators uncovered pervasive corruption, abuse, and misconduct within the federal prison system.

This severe lack of oversight has resulted in long-standing failures and contributed to loss of life, endangered health and safety for both inmates and staff, and undermined public safety and civil rights. A report by Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz specifically highlighted 344 inmate deaths in federal Bureau of Prisons institutions between FY 2014 and FY 2021.

This legislation isn’t just lip service — it’s a long-overdue step toward accountability. The bill represents an actual proactive step by Congress to fulfill its responsibilities. It aims to protect citizens by enhancing transparency and accountability within federal prisons. The legislation is supported so widely that it is plausible to wonder why it did not happen earlier. It is supported by civil rights, prison union, and public safety organizations, including the Council of Prison Locals, Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Conservative Political Action Committee, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Justice Action Network, Due Process Institute, Right on Crime, and Niskanen Center.

Braun spoke on the importance of these measures, stating, “More transparency and accountability will create a safer environment for correctional officers and staff who work in our federal prisons as well as the inmates incarcerated in them. This bill will help improve working conditions and ensure the safety of federal corrections officers.”

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The findings of the investigation underscore the urgent need for the federal government to rectify its internal operations. The need for Congressional oversight has been proven time and time again, so the fact that they created extra mechanisms for Congress to hear concerns is a good thing. 

Congress should focus on clear areas such as this instead of its historic virtue signaling type of votes. This bill is a stark reminder of what Congress should strive for — real, impactful change that protects people and holds our institutions accountable. Imagine what else could be done if Congress actually did its job more often. This is an example of how effective Congress should actually be. It’s time for Congress to step up and deliver for people rather than settling for business as usual.