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The office of U.S. Rep. Randy Weber issued the following press release:
Washington, D.C. - Tuesday, February 1, 2022. U.S. Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14) released a statement on the deadly incident that occurred yesterday at Beaumont Federal Prison.
"I am deeply troubled by the loss of life that occurred yesterday, January 31, 2022, at the United States Penitentiary, Beaumont. While we await more information from officials at the facility and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), our office has also offered assistance. I am thankful that no Correctional Officers were harmed during yesterday’s incident. I am also thankful that these officers put their lives on the line, every day, for work that must be done.
"While instances of prison violence are not always avoidable, staffing shortages across the federal system—and especially at the Federal Correctional Center (FCC) in Beaumont—contribute to dangerous working conditions that endanger the lives of guards and inmates alike. As a member of the BOP Reform Caucus, I have worked to address staffing shortages by introducing H.R. 5761, the Pay Our Correctional Officers Fairly Act. When this bill is signed into law, it will make wages more competitive for BOP employees at FCC Beaumont and throughout the nation.
"Additionally, I was joined by Reps. Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Brian Babin (R-TX) in sending a letter to BOP Director Michael Carvajal on September 29, 2021, addressing the staffing issues at FCC Beaumont. To date, I have not received a response from Director Carvajal.
"If the underlying issues that plague the BOP are not addressed, I am afraid that we will continue to see instances of violence throughout the federal prison system. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the BOP Reform Caucus to address these concerns, and I call on Director Carvajal to fulfill his duty as Director of the BOP to take immediate action to secure our prisons and to work with Congress to solve the staffing problems."