Bill Lee: “I know how State and USAID conduct their contracting, and you-all have a pretty dismal record in terms of contracting…”

I have ordered a pause on all executions for the remainder of the year.

I hope that Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s decision to postpone the last execution scheduled for this year will give lawmakers time to consider the subject seriously.

Carrying out a lawfully imposed sentence is among the State’s most serious responsibilities, and the people of Tennessee expect it to be done in a manner that is not only legal and constitutional, but is effective.

The people of Tennessee have determined that the death penalty is the appropriate penalty for the most heinous crimes in the state.