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H.R. 261, The Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007 (400 comments ↓)
- This item is from the 110th Congress (2007-2008) and is no longer current. Comments, voting, and wiki editing have been disabled, and the cost/savings estimate has been frozen.
H.R. 261 would amend title 18, United States Code, to provide an alternate release date for certain nonviolent offenders.
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Visitor Comments 
L. Fantazier
May 14, 2007, 3:47pm (report abuse)This bill MUST be passed, PLEASE, hear our voices. Release the elderly non-violent offenders. They can do more good out side of the cell walls than they can inside. I am sure they have learned a lesson and will try to help others. I have a friend there that is such a God loving, God fearing man. Please release them now.
Mrs. Lacy
May 14, 2007, 8:57pm (report abuse)103-month average sentence for robbery; the 76-month average sentence for arson; the 64-month average sentence for sexual abuse; and the 31-month average sentence for manslaughter. Yet a non violent offender drug addict gets an average of 121 months.
Brad - BK
May 15, 2007, 12:32pm (report abuse)I fully support the HR-261 Bill. Most violet crime receive lower sentencing than the "white-collar" crimes due to Minimum Mandatory Sentencing this is a start to correcting the problem. Also this is a low-risk approach to reducing our prison over-crowding & expense issues.
R. Lawson
May 15, 2007, 10:19pm (report abuse)I write in support for this bill.
I wonder why folks are sentenced to long prison terms for white collar crimes and those convicted of violent acts have shorter terms. Something is wrong in that thinking. Restitution, community service or fines are much more suited for white collar crimes than locking folks up for a long time at taxpayer expense. This bill is humane to families, I hope it passes.
C.tanner
May 16, 2007, 9:27am (report abuse)I support hr261 only because some of the crimes are recieving long sentencing the only thing is that some of the crimes that should be getting long sentences are getting short sentences crimes against children should get the death pently in by opinion. Crimes against drugs should get some kind of help to teach these people to stay off and crimes for killing should get the death penlty gun crimes are depending on the situation they are in. I do believe in making people pay fines and thing thy should enforce that to pay for more of the prisons that would help the tax payers.
Dawn L.
May 17, 2007, 1:59pm (report abuse)I Support HR261. I would like to state that many people have created crimes involving murder, rape, etc....and receive less time. Why are we punishing people so harshly for "paper" crimes? I am all for this Bill passing. Let's get the non-violent people back into society where they belong!
Heather
May 17, 2007, 1:59pm (report abuse)I Think this bill would be wonderful there are people out there who have learned there lesson and have families out there who really just want to get on with there lifes and enjoy there kids !
HEATHER EVERHART
May 17, 2007, 2:12pm (report abuse)I support this bill 100% everybody deserves a second chance there are people out there who are really wasting their time in a place like prison, they would do more good out in the world than in there
CARY TAYLOR
May 17, 2007, 9:03pm (report abuse)HR261*YES*100%THE GOAL OF ARE PRISON SYSTEM IS TO INSURE THE SAFETY AND RIGHTS OF THE PUBLIC. SO WHY ARE THEY SENDING THE TRULY BAD GUYS BACK OUT IN THE STREETS? THAT VIOLATES ARE RIGHTS, AND ARE SAFETY. YET AT THE SAME TIME THEY ARE KEEPING THE PRISON PACKED WITH "CITIZENS" THAT HAVE MADE MINOR VIOLATIONS! MOST JUST CALL IT BAD JUDGEMENT! WE HAVE ALL MADE MISTAKES, WETHER IT WAS FOR GREED, OR ARE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. THE SENTENCES THAT MOST DEALERS GET IS GREATER THAN MOST MURDERS RECIEVE! SO INLIGHT OF THESE TRAGICK MISTAKES THAT ARE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE IN ARE LEGAL SYSTEM. WE "THE PUBLIC" ARE PAYING OUR TAXES JUST SO THAT WE CAN KEEP THE RAPEST, AND CHILD MALESTERS, AND MURDERERS IN ARE NEIGHBERHOODS, AND KEEP THE HONEST MISTAKING CITIZENS THAT ARE ONLY TRULY GUILTY OF BEING HUMAN AND MAKING A MISTAKE BEHIND BARS! I BELIEVE IN SECOND CHANCES, AND I KNOW THAT THERE IS NOT A PERSON IN THE WHOLE WORLD THAT CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER ASKED FOR A SECOND CHANCE!+ + +
Lesley Harrow
May 18, 2007, 5:52pm (report abuse)In order for this bill to be brought up for a vote, Sheila Jackson will need at least 40 co-sponsors. That means we all need to talk up this bill with our own Representatives.
To contact the Representative from your district, type in www.house.gov/
On the upper left side of the page, type in your zip code. The name of your Representative will appear. Click on that person's name and you will see his/her contact information.
The best way to communicate with a Representative is by writing a short personal letter. You can also call them toll-free at 1-866-220-0044 or write an email.
The more people talking up this bill, the more chance we have of its being enacted into law.
I invite you to comment on a blog I have just set up....
Go to www.nonviolentoffenderreliefact.blogspot.com and type in your comments.
As a group of committed individuals we can make this bill happen.
CARLA
May 19, 2007, 7:27pm (report abuse)I SUPPORT THIS BILL 100%. MY HUSBAND IS SERVING A 5 YEAR SENTENCE.HE HAS NEVER,EVER BEEN IN TROUBLE BEFORE. HE NEEDS TO BE AT WITH ME AND HIS FAMILY.HE IS ALSO A NONVIOLENT OFFENDER.WE MUST PASS THIS BILL.
Lesley Harrow
May 20, 2007, 4:47pm (report abuse)We need to come together as a committed GROUP to get this bill passed.
TALK to the Representative from your district. Let Sheila Jackson-Lee know that you want to help her in any way possible.
ASK HER what she needs us to do to help get this Resolution up for a vote.
Lorna
May 21, 2007, 12:00pm (report abuse)I support this bill if an offender is deemed a threat to society give him the max encance his sentencing do whatever it takes to make sure he gets the max but after sentence is final do give his back his right at least he is entitled to that
celina
May 21, 2007, 2:11pm (report abuse)call your representative now....sheila lee jackson needs our help on this...go to lesleys harrows web blog and get involved other than us just writing here where only we can see it.....make phone calls.....we all support this bill but it wont happen without your phone calls...
Judi a different perspective
May 22, 2007, 3:32pm (report abuse)My husband is 68 years old and claims he is innocent
This is his first offense of any kind
He signed a plea for 6 years
Heis in bad health and will get out when he's 74 if he's alive
Cindy
May 24, 2007, 1:47am (report abuse)When did it become law that in order to receive the least harm an innocent person has to plead guilty or receive the stiffest punishments because they have ticked off a Judge? Isn't that perjury?
Seems like that's the way the justice system works.
Judi
May 28, 2007, 2:08pm (report abuse)I support this bill 100%. These people could be rehabilitated into being tax paying citizens, contributing back instead of taking away from society.
Roger
May 28, 2007, 2:35pm (report abuse)I believe this bill is a great way to help non-violent offenders learn from their mistakes and start a new life. Honestly a federal prison is no place to be for someone who's committed a white collar crime, maybe house arrest is a better solution. Being a former Federal inmate I believe that the prison does not help these people learn a lesson, in fact it teaches them other ways to break the law.
JODY
May 28, 2007, 2:50pm (report abuse)I HOPE EEVERYONE KNOWS IF WE WANT TO SEE THIS BILL PAST IT HAS TO HAVE POLITICAL CO-SPONSERS, YOU MUST WRITE TO YOU HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE NOW TO GET THIS BILL EVEN LOOKED AT BY THE PRESIDENT. PLEASE CALL YOUR HOUSE REPS. NOW.....
LP
May 28, 2007, 3:20pm (report abuse)At a time when many white collar 'criminals' unknowingly committ these crimes, or are actually innocent, Congress needs to pass a bill that will come to their aid. They were productive members of society with, often, the best of intentions and that society needs them back. They aren't violent and in the state system would've gotten a much lighter sentence. Why are we letting child predators and rapists out on parole and not these guys? Its time to take another step in making a justice system which is fair...
debbie c.
May 29, 2007, 6:12pm (report abuse)i support the bill 100%. My kids have been without their father for 1-1/2 years.We all need him home. He never and would never hurt anyone. He deserves to be home with his kids and his wife. we all miss him alot.
Think
May 30, 2007, 12:23pm (report abuse)Remember, Al Capone was convicted of tax evasion because it was the only crime that could be proven.
How about the people responsible for the Enron fiasco? That was "white collar" crime. How many lives did they ruin?
I'm not saying there aren't people in federal jails that couldn't be released resulting in a net benefit to society. But, do you really want to let anyone out who was a "good" prisoner and couldn't be convicted of a violent crime just because they reach 45 years of age?
FED UP
May 30, 2007, 7:47pm (report abuse)I AM ALL FOR THIS BILL. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A JUSTICE SYSTEM. ONLY JUSTICE FOR THE GOVERNMENT. IF YOU BECOME A RAT YOU GET AWAY WITH ALL OF YOUR CRIMES TO PUT PEOPLE AWAY THAT MAY HAVE NEVER DONE A THING THAT THE RAT SAYS THEY DID. AND ONCE THE RAT PUTS YOU AWAY THEY GO ON THERE MERRY WAY AND THE FAMILY OF THE CONVICTED GETS DRAGGED THROUGH THE MUDD. AT THE DROP OF A DIME THE PRISIONER GETS SENT TO ANY PRISION THE GOVERNMEMENT FEELS LIKE SENDING THEM FUTHER DESTROYING THE FAMILY OFTEN MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO EVEN VISIT THE INMATE AND THE CHILDREN SUFFER THE MOST. NOT SEEING THEIR PARENT FOR YEARS IS A DISCRASE TO OUR SOCITY .SO YOU SEE PUTTING PEOPLE AWAY IS A MONEY MAKING INDUSTRY FOR THE GOVERNMENT JUST ANOTHER REASON TO HIKE UP OUR TAXES . MANY PEOPLE ARE AWAY AND DONT DESERVE TO BE BEHIND BARS ITS TIME THAT PEOPLE STAND UP FOR WHATS RIGHT. I HOPE THIS BILL PASSES AND IT CAN RESTORE SOME FAITH IN THE REAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.
ERICA
May 31, 2007, 10:43am (report abuse)I pray for the bill to be passed. & my father to be released! I am the oldest of 5 children, and I am struggling to support them! He has missed out on 4 years of their life. Two of them are % & 6 years old!
James
May 31, 2007, 3:19pm (report abuse)Dr.Kevorkian,a murderer, gets out on parole,AFTER 6 YEARS and my dad,57 YEARS OLD convicted of a white collar crime gets 15 years with NO CHANCE FOR PAROLE IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM.
MVH
June 1, 2007, 7:30pm (report abuse)I believe this bill is a good direction in rehabilitating underprivileged individuals who deserve a second chance, especially those who have proven themselves with documented progress. With the right counseling and supportive programs, it is very realistic that these individuals will be able to contribute to the community again. Therefore, there should be a regulated doorway for them to further their progress while amongst society - that is true rehabilitation.
SLA
June 6, 2007, 10:47am (report abuse)I agree that this bills should pass on behalf of the families that have somone in prison that really had no victim in such "crimes". The system should see it as "no vicitm, no crime". Most cases do not involve a victim and yet they are put away for more than 25yrs. at times (federal). For a young man who loves being a father that is very hard for anyone to accept. Let's focus on these sex offenders and murderers first than worry about these non violent crimes. Because it seems like it's the other way around and that is what's wrong with the system/world. I am sure there are way more sex offenders on the streets than drug dealers and as a woman or for anyone with kids, we would rather see the sex offenders being put away for life. That's why it repeats itself because they only get a couple yrs., or a slap on the hand then they are out to do it again, that is very WRONG. Hopefully this will pass, make it harder for the violent crimes.
Leigh
June 7, 2007, 12:00am (report abuse)House arrest, perhaps? It's not easier for the prisoner, it's just cheaper for the rest of the population!!!
There are those released who have hurt children.. but we spend our tax dollars educating, training, feeding, and entertaining those who have lived honestly for at least 45 years.. and perhaps made the biggest mistake of their lives... It just doesn't make sense!!!
Jeri
June 7, 2007, 9:00pm (report abuse)My boyfriend was just younger kid, made miskaten and his parnets are not right teach him way. they dont care about him. i do understand his life and forgive him. He's doing good since last time he was kid. my family loves him..
Jeri
June 7, 2007, 9:08pm (report abuse)there were something happened to screw my boyfriend's life by sheierff and cops were poster at his college and kid school. that is not supposed to be in public, 1 level sex offernder. Lawyer won't help us to sue this washington less if we will pay him 4,000. we can't afford it. :(
Betty
June 12, 2007, 12:09pm (report abuse)THE SECOND CHANCE ACT H.R.261 . H.R.261 WOULD HELP OUR OLDER PRISONER'S MOTHER'S, FATHER'S AND GRANDPARENT'S OF NON-VIOLENT ACTS. THEY WILL OR ARE AT THE AGE FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.SOME WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE JOB'S. IT WOULD BE 45 YRS AND OLDER. SAVE TAX PAYER'S MONEY. THEY COULD BE MONITORED.
Wife of Prisoner
June 17, 2007, 2:30pm (report abuse)This bill would let my husbad come home in a few months, so I am VERY EXCITED about it! My husband is still paying for something he did in the 80's, and is back in on a "technical probation violation" after doing 2 years, 11 months of his 3-year probation! We have sold EVERYTHING we own to pay for a lawyer that cut a deal with the prosecution and left us hanging! So me & my baby are left destitute, I barely have enough to pay bills & daycare so I can work! So yes, please pass this bill!!!!! All praise to our Heavenly Father who will allow this to be passed and heal many families!
Naturescent
June 19, 2007, 6:21am (report abuse)Why should non-violent people be serving time with hardcore criminals in the first place? They should be under court orders with a house arrest for their sentencing - no prison time. They should be required to go to regular counseling to guide them back into a way of life that benefits society. This would also allow them to earn a living to provide for their family - saving the taxpayers a huge amount of money while putting funds back into our country. We really need to separate the hardcore criminals from those who are serving time just because they got high or didn't pay Uncle Sam. Rather than bringing more crime to our country with an amnesty bill, we need to deport those criminals and allow our citizens serving time to do those supposedly low paying jobs. We need to clean up our own house before we can solve another country's problems.
HBB
June 19, 2007, 7:34am (report abuse)While headed in the right direction for alleviating some of this "zero tolerance" idiocy the government is currently hellbent upon, the bill quickly got sidetracked into stupidity by clearly discriminating against anyone under the age of 45, which is absurd.
Also, cutting the sentences in half falls short of commonsense. They should be cut by two-thirds.
It should not pass in its present condition.
Veronica
June 20, 2007, 1:44am (report abuse)This Bill should be Passed 100% I hope and pray that it will be passed ASAP, so that my husband Returns home to me and our daughters. My daghter has struggled with school since he has been gone, her grades have sliped tremendously. We just want him home. I think that inmates who are sex offenders as well as murders should be the ones to serve more time then these "white collar" crime inmates.
Shawn
June 21, 2007, 6:01pm (report abuse)Why does age have anything to do with it. How about a law stopping the stupid war on drugs in the first place.
Concerned in Texas
June 25, 2007, 11:31pm (report abuse)I support this bill 100%. There are so many men in federal prisons who unknowingly committed federal"white collar" crimes. It's sad. Then I pulled up all the sex offenders in my zip code and NONE OF THEM, served any time, for molesting small children?? Yet let's send a good person to jail for committing a crime he/she didn't even know was a crime? For some banking error? or recording error? What's wrong with this system? And living down the street from a friend of mine is a man who has raped many women, yet he serves no time! What's wrong with this system? Let's let these guys go and put "real" criminals behind bars. There's something wrong when sex offenders and rapists get probation and the white collar "good" guys get 3 years plus!! Good grief. Let these guys out! we need them making money, paying taxes, and contributing to society! And taking care of their families!
RLN
June 27, 2007, 1:36pm (report abuse)In leiu of past sentencing guidline problems with our judges there are many serving more time than perscribed by statute. I am in favor of this bill and the release back into society of non-offenders who have met the the terms outlined in this bill.
Mel
June 27, 2007, 3:56pm (report abuse)lET'S BE REALISTIC
tHE TAXPAYERS ARE PAYING FOR ROOM, BOARD,MEDS,RECREATION, AND HEALTH ISSUES.
tHE OLDER INMATES HAVE MANY EXPENSIVE HEALTH ISSUES
WHY NOT TRY, CHANGE THE AGE TO 65 AND IF THAT WORKS THAN 60 ETC
IT'S A WIN - WIN SOLUTION
NO DOWNSIDE
lucy
June 28, 2007, 3:23pm (report abuse)I strongly want this bill to pass.I am 100% for this bill
alot of people are non violent and are serving more time than they should. the system is so unfair.
Ryce Smith
June 29, 2007, 7:06pm (report abuse)I think the bill should pass, but it needs some tweeking. It is somewhat unfair to use a prior incarceration as a reason to not consider certain inmates. Many people who have been incarcerated have been in jail at least once before. As for the violent crime, well, as a young man someone may have served time for robbing someone at gun point, but later be incarcerated for lower level crimes. And well, getting a D-report in jail is common place. It will rule out so many people.
I think the considering factors should be the crime they are now serving time, there overall record , and general behavior while incarcerated, and their age. Many older inmates just want to begin to live a life and should be afforded a chance at release, with adequate supervision.
G Williams
July 12, 2007, 2:42pm (report abuse)These nonvolient offenders are doing NOTHING but wasting AMERICAN tax payers $$$!!! Get them back into the working force and let go of these petty charges that again are wasting taxpayer $$$$ Believe or not that $$$ belongs to the AMERICAN TAXPAYER!! MOST OF THESE PEOPLE ARE PAYING TAXES WHILE THEY ARE SERVING TIME...in the words of Moses, "LET MY PEOPLE GO."
CE
July 13, 2007, 10:19am (report abuse)My wife is one of the people that would be impacted by this bill. She is in prison because of ferderal prosecutors that abuse their position. Not because she did anything.
There are so many stories like my wife's. We should pass this bill, and spend the money saved by releasing these people on correcting the system.
LS
July 14, 2007, 9:18am (report abuse)I would say that I am in favor of it passing H.R. 261 Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act of 2007 from reading the Detailed Summary. I would even be in favor with the modifications of: the prisoner is serving for their FIRST (and hopefully only) Offense AND has met the second and third conditions, and then the age should not be part of the equation. I will be contacting my Representative on this bill.
M. Remington
July 19, 2007, 11:24am (report abuse)I am in Favor of this bill 100%. It is the first prison reform bill that has several realistic benefits. It allows for those non-violent federal inmates who have learned their lesson and served a considerable amount of time to be released from prison and become productive members of society again. In many cases, especially hi profile cases, where a government agencies pursuit of an individual, can cause much media hype, the courts apply excessive lengths of incarceration to satisfy the media. There are many rehabilitated, good people behind bars, especially in the Low Security Federal Institutions, that have satisfied Justice, served long sentences >15 years that should be let out. Lets do the right and just thing. Pass this Bill for God's sake.
E Domangue
July 19, 2007, 12:40pm (report abuse)I am in full support of the bill. I think that we should put all the child sex offenders in prison instead of these guys who are in for stuff that didn't even hurt anybody! If i was a congressman, especially if i had kids, i would be passing this bill and composing one that would get all child sex offenders off our streets.
heather scruggs
July 25, 2007, 12:32pm (report abuse)I dont think it should only be for 1st time offenders only everyone's situation is different and every person should be looked at differently. people do change and not everyone is a fake. my husband is a born again christian since he has been incarcerated and he pays everyday for the bad decisions he made and when he sees that he is missing our children grow up he realizes that but in the gov eyes he is no different than anyone else but he is. God had 100 sheep and there was one that was lost and god brought him home. people need help.Quit putting them behind bars without rehabilitation. Give them something,because some of them do deserve it.Something has got to change. Crime isnt getting any better and it wont and when people get released they are going and doing the same thing. There is nothing taught , no morals. Some of them can be saved. God saved my husband by him getting caught and we are thankful for that.
tunterre
July 25, 2007, 1:38pm (report abuse)i admit that i don't know everything about this issue, but i know enough to support the bill...
Kathy
July 27, 2007, 1:25pm (report abuse)This is a bill that NEEDS to be passed. SO much good would come from it but not from locking up non-violent offenders.
Rick Snowden
July 27, 2007, 4:19pm (report abuse)This would be a great idea, not only to alleviate some pressure on the system, but release people who should not be their in the first place.
Wendy
July 27, 2007, 11:20pm (report abuse)I support the passing of this bill 200%. I have lost all faith and respect in the government and judicial systems of the U.S. My relative was sent to a federal prison for a crime she was not aware that she was committing. She worked for a company over 30 years before they decided she should not have been allowed to receive overtime pay. Of course the FBI didn't receive an anoymous tip until after she had paid them back all the money they said she owed them. She had been working for another company for over a year, and was very active in the community. As I have come to learn most of the women where she is where shafted by their "so-called" lawyers, and what I no longer teach my children "The great justice system of the U.S" I read that Vermont wanted to secede from the U.S. I say more power to them. I'm not proud to say I'm part of this country myself. Does anyone know how we, as voters and residents of our states can help this bill?
jeff greene
July 28, 2007, 8:08am (report abuse)I support the release of this type of individual. Spending 50% of the sentance is more than enough for this type of person to get the point. Thats if they are truley guilty in the first place. If they were ramroded to cut the deal because of the downside possibility, they shouldnt be there anyway. Which I would guess would cover a lot of people.
Al
July 28, 2007, 9:17am (report abuse)Guys in prison who had big businesses with many workers are more valuable to everyone,out.
Bernie
July 29, 2007, 1:12pm (report abuse)Judges using federal guidelines are handing out sentences too harsh for nonviolent inmates.Fix some of that with this bill.
KMS
July 29, 2007, 10:13pm (report abuse)My husband is currently incarcerated for an IRS issue. He followed his tax attorney's advice for 17 years. Little did he know it would land him in prison. There are plenty of other good people that have been senteced for white collar crimes that are serving a useless sentence. Some of these people I have seen when visiting my husband are 70 & 80 years old that walk with a cane and what in the world are they doing there....I can hardly believe it. It's hurting the families the most. These inmates could be at home with their families and be productive tax paying people instead of costing the taxpayers more and more every year. I am 110% for the bill. Let the non-violent over 45 citizens get a second chance!
James
July 30, 2007, 9:14am (report abuse)It's about time we save some tax dollars for caring for these inmates. I'm all for releasing those that are no threat to society. Wake up Congress!
AH
July 30, 2007, 11:31am (report abuse)This bill makes sense. Prisons are so over crowded and with the taxpayers footing the bill. I think this is a plan where everyone can win.
M Williams
July 30, 2007, 7:29pm (report abuse)Just because these offenders are 'non-violent' does not mean their actions didn't indirectly affect others. People who embezzle, cheat the IRS, deal drugs, or steal should not be treated lightly because they didn't directly injure someone. If you do the crime, you should serve the time. What kind of message are we sending to children if we let these offenders off?
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
August 1, 2007, 1:03pm (report abuse)THIS BILL IS DYING BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT IT
THROUGH EMAIL AND REGULAR MAIL SEND A COPY OF THIS BILL TO
CRIMINAL ATTORNEYS,
NON- VIOLENT INMATES,(THEY WILL TELL THEIR ATTORNEYS)
LEGAL BLOGGERS,
LEGAL PUNDITS
THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY THESE PEOPLE DON'T EVEN KNOW H.R.261 EXISITS
Mark B
August 2, 2007, 7:13am (report abuse)You know what would be even better? If they released any person that's in prison for an income tax crime, or for drug selling, or posession, prostitution, and any other so-called that harmed no-one's person or property.
There wouldn't be an overcrowding of prisons in the first place if these draconian laws weren't in place.
Rick
August 2, 2007, 5:36pm (report abuse)I think this bill is an excellent idea. Why do we spend hundreds of millions of dollars in tax money incarcerating nonviolent offenders in minimum security institutions when they could be placed on home confinement.
HLH
August 6, 2007, 4:45pm (report abuse)This bill should have been out a long time ago & it is ridiculous to keep paying $30K PLUS for each inmate when they could actually be out WORKING to pay taxes, not sitting on there butts 'collecting' money. I am 100% for this bill.
Philosopher
August 6, 2007, 5:54pm (report abuse)A thought for everyone to consider in this bill and voting for it look at the big picture of it all. Someone earlier mentioned Capone and Enron as examples of people who if this bill existed they would have never been charged. Do you want your children to grow up believing that wrong is wrong and you should be punished for it OR that some crimes are less offense than others in the long run? People have mentioned that in a whole the US is lacking on taxes, there for the people that have to pay need to pay more. Remember that part of the reason that you are paying more is because these people did not pay their share when they were supposed to. Mommy and Daddy go to jail for something they did, but then get released and get a slap on the hand in the long run so they can be with their families. Ok, fine... but then what impression did that give the children? Oh, mommy and daddy just went on vacation for a little bit to a very bad place but everything is ok now?
Philosopher
August 6, 2007, 5:56pm (report abuse)HOW about a happy medium? Have them serve time in jail. Have them serve time, but less time for the less offensive crime. Then put them on house arrest as well for a particular period of time. This puts them back to their families but also keeps them in check. Then the third thing is that there is some kind of "red flag" so to speak on these offenders for the government to watch for a particular amount of years. IF all of that doesn't work, send them into a high school/college class in their area on history, business, accounting, and finally, ethics. Heck, make this last part mandatory. You get them back into society to help everyone else out, but you also have them prove that they did learn a lesson. Use your brain otherwise it is wasted. All muscles must be exercised to reach their true potential. THINK for yourself, and do not follow the crowd. You can agree with me or not, that is the beauty of America.
JJ
August 6, 2007, 9:54pm (report abuse)This bill would alleviate overcrowding and allow these offenders a chance to 'make good' in there later years of life. We spend too much money housing offenders that deserved no more than a fine and a slap on the wrist! Mandatory minimums are not sensible and does not allow judges to dictate the sentence to fit the crime.
Dolores Goff
August 11, 2007, 4:16pm (report abuse)this is a good bill and should be inacted. there is too many people in our prisons that should be home with there kids taking care of them. and there is way to many older people in prison.we need to cut back on the money spent to house. send them home on house arrest and save our country some money too.
FED up
August 11, 2007, 11:23pm (report abuse)The age limit needs to be eliminated totally. Way too many people of all ages and races in prison for first time non-violent offenses. Corrupt federal judges are handing down EXCESSIVELY long terms, destroying lives and families in the process. What's wrong with house arrest? Very cost effective and makes sense. The worst offenders are in Washington. They're the ones who need locked up!
About Time
August 12, 2007, 6:44pm (report abuse)This definately needs to be done. They are trying to figure out how to house more inmates at the expense of tax payers and this would help with that issue. They really need to take another look at sentencing guidelines which would help emliminate this problem to begin with. But overall I think this is great, I just don't agree with the age requirement.
grandmother
August 15, 2007, 2:25pm (report abuse)I strongly support this bill However I disagree with the 45year old age requirement why should a person younger have to serve all of their time verses someone 45 years old. The younger person if they met all the other requirements they deserve a chance to start over. Most of the people in federal prisions are younger, they have small children that need their parent. It is a matter of survial
Save Us Some Money
August 16, 2007, 10:30pm (report abuse)With the cost of the war so extreme, cut the cost of housing people who are no danger to society. Use those millions of dollars to defend all of us. Putting white collar criminals behind bars creates more problems than it solves. Putting non-violent offenders in with violent offenders does not make the violent less violent, it destroys human nature. Please pass this bill and devote the money saved to keep our military personnel safe, our country safe and win the war.
SK Tamarapu
August 17, 2007, 10:55pm (report abuse)It would be in order to make them to undergo punishment for a brief period and repent for the mistakes done. Their ability and talent can be utilised for the betterment of society. They will in turn understnd their responsibilty and strive to contribute their might to the community.
j.c
August 19, 2007, 1:59pm (report abuse)I support this act. we have more dangerous criminals on the street and not enough room for them. yet rapist and killers are getting less time then drug dealers. it doesnt make sense it is easier to rehabilitate a non-violent offender than a violent offender.
becky
August 19, 2007, 10:38pm (report abuse)I strongly agree on this bill being passed as there are so many people in prison who do not belong there for such a long time. They have paid there dues and need to be let go.Why is it the lesser offenders are still spending time, while child molesters, and people with violent crimes spend a small amount of time in prison and are then let go only to do it again. This bill supports people who are not violent and have learned a lesson from their mistake. Let them go home, and make room for violent offenders who do not belong in public.
A CONCERNED US CITIZEN
August 19, 2007, 11:09pm (report abuse)your messing up families and children are missing their parent or parents because you have to place people in prison for as long as you want over small crimes. Why do you let the violent offenders walk free early and keep these non violent people behind bars? It doesn't make scence. What is wrong with you? I think it's time that we the poeple stand up and tell you what we think.You count on us for your presidential and other elections. Why not listen to us now. Why do you think you can just do what ever you want with someones life and destroy families like you do? LET THE SMALL FISH GO AND KEEP THE LARGE FISH. Your wasteing our tax payers dollars.There are poeple who belong behind bars and poeple who don't. You tend to focus on the poeple who don't.I PRAY THE GOOD LORD WILL TOUCH YOU IN A WAY THAT YOU WILL MAKE BETTER DECISIONS ABOUT WHO BELONGS BEHIND BARS AND WHO DOESN'T.BECAUSE THE WAY IT STANDS YOUR NOT DOING A VERY GOOD JOB OF IT...
Ann Mortimer
August 20, 2007, 5:28pm (report abuse)Please pass this second chance bill. I pray that America will not turn a deaf ear to reformed men and women who want and need a second chance. America is a compassionate country-we must do the right thing. Locking up, throwing away the key and never giving a helping hand to deserving families and inmates who have repented and long for a chance to live and work in a free society.
Think dollars, too--what a tremendous savings for our government not to keep prisoners long after time for them to go home again!Please do the right thing here!
S. Hernandez
August 22, 2007, 9:16am (report abuse)I fully support this bill. My Aunt is incarcerated for a federal crime and recieved a 20 year sentence. BUT!! the prison feels she is a waist of tax payers money, AND they even released her for three days on her own to see her own father in the hospital. They feel she should have been released a long time ago. SO WHY aren't they.
Anyhow I hope I can figure out how to assist her with gtting out soon, with this bil.
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