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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Statement, Committee on the Judiciary, Oversight Hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you, Mr. Attorney General, for testifying before this Committee today. In the brief time that I have, I would like to focus your attention on the Department’s drug control policy. As you know, in recent years, drug courts and other problem solving courts have reduced the rate of recidivism among substance-abusing offenders by providing intensive treatment and supervision in lieu of—or subsequent to—incarceration. By lowering re-arrest rates, drug courts save taxpayers considerable money. In fact, for every dollar invested in a drug court, taxpayers save roughly three times that amount.

Despite the success these courts have enjoyed at the state level, in the federal system, drug courts have been implemented in less than one third of federal judicial districts. I understand that the Department of Justice is conducting an across-the-board review of federal sentencing policy. I urge you to look seriously at the role that drug courts can play at the federal level, both as an alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders and as a re-entry court for offenders who have just completed a prison term. We in Congress must do more to support these courts, and I am drafting legislation that would provide a dedicated stream of funding for federal drug courts.

Finally, I want to emphasize that the prosecutor is a key player in any drug court. Without the prosecutor’s participation, no drug court can operate. I hope you will encourage the U.S. Attorneys and AUSAs that work under you to give their full support to the federal drug courts in their districts.

Thank you, Mr. Attorney General, and thank you, Mr. Chairman, for yielding me this time.