|
WASHINGTON, DC. – Today, Rep. Carolyn Maloney applauded the House of Representatives for passing by a vote of 362-57, H.R. 2965, “The Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act.” The legislation will require FPI to compete for contracts while continuing to offer rehabilitative work opportunities to federal prisoners. It will also ensure that contracts are awarded to the company that will provide the best products, delivered on time, and at the best prices.
“With its predatory practices, FPI has contributed to the closure of private companies and the loss of tens of thousands of jobs throughout the nation,” Maloney said. “This legislation will protect the jobs of hard-working American taxpayers while providing valuable alternative rehabilitative opportunities to better prepare inmates for a successful return to society. I applaud the House for passing this important legislation.” This legislation was introduced last year by Reps. Pete Hoekstra (R-MI), Barney Frank (D-MA), Maloney, James Sensenbrenner (R-WI), John Conyers (D-MI), and Howard Coble (R-NC). Maloney has been a leading sponsor of this legislation since 1997. H.R. 2965 also provides alternative rehabilitative opportunities for prisoners, including work in support of nonprofit, public service organizations, to better prepare inmates for a successful return to society. The legislation is supported by much of the business community and organized labor. Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) has introduced the companion bill in the Senate (S. 749). Background: One of Representative Maloney’s constituents, Glamour Glove Company confronted FPI directly in 1997. FPI threatened Glamour Glove’s existence by heavily increasing glove production in the early 1990s. A 1934 U.S. law obligates federal agencies to buy from FPI under broad circumstances. After negotiating with Glamour Glove and FPI, a compromise was reached that ensured that Glamour Glove would stay in business and FPI would curtail its job stealing expansion. ### |
