Goodlatte Statement at Markup of H.R. 759, the "Recidivism Risk Reduction Act"

Chairman Goodlatte: Today we consider H.R. 759, the “Recidivism Risk Reduction Act,” introduced by Congressman Jason Chaffetz. When Ranking Member Conyers and I initiated our criminal justice reform initiative eight months ago, we said, “criminal justice is about punishing law-breakers, protecting the innocent, the fair administration of justice, and fiscal responsibility in a manner that is responsive to the needs of communities. Congress has the responsibility to ensure that our criminal justice system metes out appropriate and effective justice.  The Committee’s initiative will pursue responsible, common sense criminal justice reforms to make sure our federal laws and regulations punish wrongdoers, protect individual freedom, work as efficiently and fairly as possible, do not duplicate state efforts, and do not waste taxpayer dollars.” The measure we are considering today meets all of those objectives. The concept behind HR 759 is very simple.  We can still be tough on crime while being smart with our criminal justice system. The bill places a new focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment and incarceration. It establishes a risk and needs assessment as the foundation of an effective recidivism reduction program, and more importantly an efficient and effective federal prison system.  HR 759 will incentivize prisoners to participate in recidivism reduction programs and jobs that actually reduce their risk of recidivism. Why is this important?  Well, it is important for two main reasons.  First, the Bureau of Prisons has a growing prison population that, because of its rising costs, is becoming a real and immediate threat to public safety.  The growing prison budget is consuming an ever-increasing percentage of the Department of Justice’s budget.  The more dollars we put into the prison population translates to fewer dollars we can invest in criminal and national security investigations and prosecutions. Second, we know that without programming and intervention, prisoners are more likely than not to recidivate.  We cannot allow the cycle to continue.  By using a targeted approach for each prisoner, we can lower the risk of recidivism.  Fewer recidivists mean fewer prisoners in the future and even greater savings to the American taxpayer. This bill is important because when prisoners who have received intervention are released, they are less likely to commit crimes. When that happens, our streets and innocent citizens are safer.  An added benefit is former prisoners are more likely to leave the life of crime behind and become productive members of society and contribute to their communities. I want to thank the gentleman from Utah, Mr. Chaffetz, for introducing this innovative and much needed piece of legislation. I now yield to the Ranking Member, Mr. Conyers.