[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 28, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1461-E1462]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            PASSAGE OF NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMISSION

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. MARCIA L. FUDGE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 28, 2010

  Ms. FUDGE. Madam Speaker, the House's endorsement of the National 
Criminal Justice Commission is a major victory as the bill moves 
towards final passage. My constituents believe a thorough examination 
of America's criminal system is needed, and I agree.
  Our Nation has approximately 5 percent of the world's population, but 
roughly 25 percent of the world's prison population. About 1 of every 
45 adults is currently behind bars, which is five times the world's 
average incarceration rate. These rates indicate inconsistencies and 
flaws within our judicial system. This must change.
  African Americans are far more likely to be incarcerated for drug 
offenses than other groups. We represent only 12 percent of the U.S. 
population, but 74 percent of America's drug offenders who have been 
sentenced to prison. This must change.
  If we fail to implement effective reform, our Nation will continue to 
spend more on prisons while depleting already financially stressed 
State budgets. As significantly, we will not make our communities safer 
or reduce high recidivism rates.

[[Page E1462]]

  I look forward to the day we receive the Commission's report. Then we 
can begin the crucial task of reforming and improving America's ailing 
criminal justice system.

                          ____________________