We post news and comment on federal criminal justice issues, focused primarily on trial and post-conviction matters, legislative initiatives, and sentencing issues.

NEW DIRECTOR BLUES

As the search for a new BOP director commences, Rep. Fred Keller (R-PA), head of the new House Bureau of Prisons Reform Caucus, introduced a bill to strengthen congressional oversight over what Associated Press called “the crisis-plagued bureau” by adding checks and balances to how its director is chosen.

Currently, the attorney general appoints a director without Congressional say. H.R. 6403, if passed, would shift the responsibility of picking a director to the White House, authorizing the president to nominate someone to the post, with that person then facing approval of the Senate. It would also limit the director to one 10-year term.

If the bill passes after a new director is appointed, that person could still end up being subject to Senate confirmation. The bill would let a sitting stay in office for only three months after it becomes law without Senate confirmation.

H.R. 6403, Federal Prison Accountability Act

Associated Press, Bill would require Senate confirmation for US prison chief (January 14, 2022)

– Thomas L. Root