[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 164 (Thursday, November 18, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S14777]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          PRISON CARD PROGRAM

  Mr. ASHCROFT. Mr. President I rise today to talk about an important 
and highly successful program operated for more than 25 years by the 
Salvation Army in conjunction with the Bureau of Prisons. This program 
is called the Prison Card Program. Under the program, greeting cards 
are donated to the Salvation Army that are then given to inmates at 
correctional facilities across the country. This program allows inmates 
to keep in touch with family and friends--not only during the holiday 
season--but throughout the year. The benefits of this program to the 
inmates and their loved ones are clear. However, there are also 
benefits to the community as well. Inmates who maintain strong ties 
with their families and friends are less likely to return to prison 
once their sentence is completed.
  I want to commend the Salvation Army, the Department of Justice, and 
the Bureau of Prisons for supporting this program. In particular, I 
want the Department to know that this program has the support of 
Congress. I have spoken to Chairman Gregg, who has indicated that he is 
prepared to work with me and other supporters of the program in the 
coming months to ensure that this important charitable program is 
sustained well into the future.

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