Bobby Scott: “Mr. Chairman, if this bill passes, we will very seriously jeopardize the viability of the Prison Industry programs that…”

“Mr. Chairman, if this bill passes, we will very seriously jeopardize the viability of the Prison Industry programs that will reduce the number of prison jobs. It will actually reduce the number of business opportunities because right now we are only talking about one-fourth of 1 percent of the Federal procurement. In addition to all of the private procurement going on, obviously eliminating the prison work and one-fourth of 1 percent of just the Federal part of the entire market share will make no difference to anyone. If they cannot get a contract now, they certainly will not be able to get a contract if this bill passes. We do know, however, that crime will go up if this bill passes. It does not cost the taxpayer any money. It works. I would hope that we will defeat the bill.”