WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff’s (D-CA) efforts to enhance and improve rehabilitation programs in the federal prison system passed the House of Representatives today as part of the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003 (H.R. 1829).
"The rehabilitation of inmates is paramount to the safety of society," Rep. Schiff said. "As policy makers, we need data to determine the efficacy of programs designed to rehabilitate and assist inmates. My provisions in the Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act will guarantee that rehabilitation programs are implemented in a timely fashion and ensure that the successes and/or failures of these programs are assessed."
The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2003 will phase out over five years the preference given to Federal Prison Industries (FPI) in contracts with federal agencies, and provide $75 million a year in additional inmate rehabilitation programs for federal inmates. Schiff introduced two amendments to this bill in the House Judiciary Committee in July. The first amendment would require a firm time schedule for the establishment of vocational and rehabilitation in all federal prisons within eight years. The second amendment would require a study of the effectiveness of vocational and rehabilitation efforts on curbing recidivism rates. These amendments were adopted by the House Judiciary Committee and included in the final bill which passed today.
Rep. Schiff is former federal prosecutor and a member of the House Judiciary and International Relations Committees. He represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.