On the recordJanuary 12, 2016
This is an exciting day as the President presents to us his vision for the Nation. In addition, over the weekend, Speaker Ryan indicated his vision and the opportunity for Members of Congress to pass serious legislation, which includes criminal justice reform. How exciting it is to be the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations and to work with my colleagues Mr. Goodlatte and Mr. Conyers and all of my colleagues on that committee to talk about important issues. Just today, we passed a bill dealing with mental health programs. A DOJ report found that 64 percent of those in jail, 54 percent of State prisoners, and 45 percent of Federal prisoners have some form of mental illness. Jails and prisons now house more than three times the number of mentally ill individuals than do mental health facilities and hospitals. It is clear that part of criminal justice reform deals with mental health, but it also deals with rehabilitation and reentry, which we are discussing in the Committee on the Judiciary. In addition, we are working on reforming the juvenile justice system. My message, Mr. Speaker, is, as the President speaks, as the Speaker has spoken, it is time now that we come collaboratively, Republicans and Democrats, and truly end mass incarceration and find a way to solve the criminal justice problem both by reducing gun violence, reducing crime, and helping the people who need the help. ____________________
