Pennsylvania Congressman Fred Keller (R, PA-12) announced Tuesday afternoon that he proposed bipartisan legislation to halt the mass release of inmates. The Pausing All New Detention and Ending Movement of Inmates for Coronavirus (PANDEMIC) Act of 2020 is a direct response to the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ (BOP) movement of inmates during COVID-19, which endangers American lives. Reps. Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Mike Bost (R-Ill.).
“While inmates are dying from COVID-19, corrections officers are getting sick from COVID-19, and the rest of the country is working together to stop the spread of this virus by altering and pausing our livelihoods, the Bureau of Prisons must do its part and stop moving potentially sick inmates around the country,” Rep. Keller said in a release.
I am committed to leaving no stone unturned in the effort to protect our corrections officers and local communities from COVID-19. That is why I am introducing the PANDEMIC Act today – to halt inmate movement during this national emergency.
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) March 31, 2020
Statement ??https://t.co/rWlZWFMlYx
While the rest of the country works to #FlattenTheCurve, the Bureau of Prisons continues to put inmates, COs, and communities at risk. Bottom line: All federal inmate movement must stop immediately. https://t.co/WU8oyYh6oo
— Congressman Fred Keller (@RepFredKeller) March 31, 2020
The Associated Press reported last week that a federal inmate tested positive for COVID-19. Rep. Keller's district, Pennsylvania's 12th district, is home to two federal prisons.
