WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, today questioned U.S. Attorney General William Barr about the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) FY2020 budget request. She specifically asked about DOJ’s oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), given the recent incidents of violence at the U.S. Penitentiary, Hazelton, a high-security federal prison facility in Preston County.
“We’ve had complaints from [staff] that there’s staffing shortages, that it’s not safe for our correctional officers,” Senator Capito said. “There’s a funding reduction for correctional officer staffing and salaries in the budget. Could you help me square with that? Is this a national problem you’re finding across the BOP?”
Senator Capito also ask about DOJ’s role in fighting the opioid epidemic.
“[The opioid crisis] is a scourge on our country, but really in our particular region. I know that you all are increasing the budget in that area, but are there areas that are working better in the disruption part of drug interdiction that you think we need to put more emphasis on?” Senator Capito asked.
To watch Senator Capito’s questions for Attorney General Barr, click here.