S.Con.Res. 58 — Introduced in Senate

III 114th CONGRESS 2d Session S. CON. RES. 58 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 7, 2016Mr. Booker submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that rates for inmate calling service should not exceed the affordable modified rate caps adopted by the Federal Communications Commission. Whereas an estimated 5,000,000 United States children have, or have had, a parent in prison or jail; Whereas phone calls make it easier for families of incarcerated individuals to maintain positive relationships with their loved ones who are incarcerated; Whereas phone calls help to reduce recidivism and promote the well-being of children; Whereas a reduction in recidivism rates by just 1 percent would save United States taxpayers $250,000,000 per year in correctional costs; Whereas families of incarcerated individuals frequently experience financial hardship because of the loss of a key wage earner; Whereas the cost of maintaining contact with incarcerated loved ones through in-person visits can be prohibitive; Whereas written correspondence, especially with small children and disabled individuals, can be an inadequate way of maintaining communication; and Whereas the Federal Communications Commission has been steadfast in its efforts, in accordance with its authority under the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 151 et seq.)— (1) to bring about a compromise on inmate calling service rate caps; and (2) to ensure that those rates are just and reasonable: Now, therefore, be it That it is the sense of Congress that— (1) rates for inmate calling service should not exceed the affordable modified rate caps adopted by the Federal Communications Commission as of the date of the adoption of this resolution; and (2) reduced inmate calling service rates should be implemented swiftly because of the importance of inmate calling service as a rehabilitative means of communication.