At the close of 2022, an Omnibus bill was passed by Congress. Contained within that bill was the appropriation of an additional 180 million dollars, above and beyond what was already appropriated, for the BOP. It was the express intent of this money to go toward correcting the staff shortages at the BOP facilities. As our legislator, Voices of JOE respectfully asks that you request the following information from the BOP Administration and have them share it with the House Appropriations Committee, the President of the Council of Prison Locals, and yourself.

1. The exact number of officers recommended in the Custody Master Staffing Guidelines of 2016.

2. The exact number of custody staff positions filled at the time of that report in 2016. (Percentages are not acceptable; concrete figures are required.)

3. The exact number of correctional officer positions authorized by the President of the United States for 2023.

4. The exact number (not percentages) of correctional officer positions currently filled.

5. An action plan for correcting the problem of understaffing of correctional officers in BOP facilities.

6. A timeline for implementing and accomplishing this plan.

7. The Director’s plan for increasing the pay bands permanently with the OPM.

8. A completely transparent accounting for how that additional 180 million dollars was or will be utilized.

This staffing crisis within the Federal prison system cannot continue. Action MUST be taken.