...the current sentencing reductions [will] bring about the release of thousands of convicted drug felons without having any very good idea of what they are going to do after they return to the streets, and  --  in some ways even worse  --  no way of finding out.

Why is it that the proponents of [reduced sentences] are so disinterested in tracing their handiwork?  If, as they claim, the bill will produce safer streets, not more dangerous ones, they should be eager to show the world how perspicacious they've been. Those of us who think that prison helps reduce crime will have been shown up.

Maybe the proponents don't mean what they say.  Just maybe, they know that crime will go up, and, therefore, it's best not to track the behavior of [the criminals] who'll be getting early release.

This is just so typically sleazy from what we see in Washington: Proponents of Bill X promise us it will produce wonderful results, but then quietly scuttle any means to find out what the results actually are.

For those who'd prefer a more honest an open approach, let me commend the "Anti-Pig in a Poke" Amendment (my title) offered by Sen. Perdue,  

SIL15793 S.L.C.

Purpose: To require the United States Sentencing Commission to submit to Congress a certain quarterly report relating to recidivism.

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES--114th Cong., 1st Sess  S. 2123

AMENDMENT At the appropriate place, insert the following: 

SEC. 110. REPORT ON RECIDIVISM. 

(a) DEFINITION.--In this section, the term ''covered  individual'' means an individual-- 

(1) whose sentence is reduced under this Act,  or an amendment made by this Act; and 

(2) who, after the date on which the individual  is released from the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, is charged with or convicted of a criminal offense. 

SIL 15793  S.L.C.

(b) REPORT.--Not later than 180 days after the date  of enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the United States Sentencing Commission shall, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Comptroller of  the United States, submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that contains information pertaining  to covered individuals, including -- 

(1) the name, date of birth, and Bureau of  Prisons Register Number of the covered individual;  

(2) the nature of the offense committed by the  by the covered individual, including the name of the  offense and corresponding citation to Federal or  State law; 

(3) the jurisdiction in which the offense was  committed; 

(4) the status of any Federal or State proceeding arising out of the offense; and 

(5) any other information related to the offense  or subsequent criminal proceeding related thereto  that the United States Sentencing Commission determines is relevant. 

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