National leaders need to start talking frankly about--and tackling--issues that are not necessarily the most politically popular. Over the past two years, I have begun a serious dialogue about the skyrocketing incarceration rate in this country--a subject that does not get a lot of attention from politicians, but should.

There is something wrong with our criminal justice system when we have five percent of the world's population and 25 percent of the world's reported prison population. Sharp distinctions need to be drawn between offenders of violent crimes and those incarcerated for drug abuse and mental illness.

A national commission is needed to explore these issues. This is truly a national crisis that deserves dedicated attention and viable solutions.

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

• Joint Economic Committee Hearing, conducted by Senator Webb, "Mass Incarceration in the United States: At What Cost?" October 2007 »
• Joint Economic Committee Hearing, conducted by Senator Webb, "Illegal Drugs: Economic Impact, Societal Costs, and Policy Responses," June 2008 »
• George Mason University Symposium, hosted by Senator Webb and the GMU Administration of Justice Department, "Drugs in America: Trafficking, Policy and Sentencing," October 2008 »
• Senator Webb's Keynote Address to the Brookings Institution's Policy Roundtable on the Challenges to Prisoner Re-entry, December 2008 »
• Overview of the United States Prison System: Key Points & Facts »

NEWS ARTICLES

• Washington Post: "Webb Sets His Sights On Prison Reform" »
• Washington Post Op-Ed: "Two Separate Societies: One in Prison, One Not" »
• The Roanoke Times Editorial: "A Sensible Call for Sentencing Reform" »
• The Virginian Pilot: "Senator Elevates Debate on Failed Drug, Prison Policies" »
• Daily Press, "Alternative to Jail for Addicts Gains New Supporter" »

Please feel free to forward this page to friends and family and invite them to do the same!

Jim Webb's Website | Constituent Services | Newsroom | Photos | Contact | Subscribe | Unsubscribe