Norton Applauds Reauthorization of U.S. Parole Commission, Chaired by Former D.C. Police Chief Isaac Fulwood

*Embargoed Until House Passage Tonight*

September 20, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC – The Office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today announced House passage of a three-year reauthorization of the U.S. Parole Commission (USPC), ensuring continuation of the agency with jurisdiction over D.C. Code felons on parole or under supervised release, returning from the Federal Bureau of Prisons. At the request of the District of Columbia, the federal government, in 1997, assumed the cost of certain state functions from D.C., including the supervision and housing of D.C. Code felons. Norton worked closely with the House Judiciary Committee on the bill because of the USPC's responsibility for D.C. Code felons. The USPC also has jurisdiction over federal offenders.

Norton said that she appreciated the work of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-TX) and Ranking Member John Conyers (D-MI), as well as subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA), for getting the bill through the House in time, well before the USPC authorization expires on October 31. She said it is urgent to get this bill done before the deadline because there is no other local or federal agency with the resources or expertise necessary to assume the USPC's function, nor is there any branch of local or federal government that has the statutory authority to do so.

"The Parole Commission has thrived because of the outstanding work and innovations introduced by Chairman Isaac Fulwood, a distinguished former D.C. Police Chief," said Norton. Fulwood, who was recommended by Norton in 2004, was later easily confirmed by the Senate. "We are very fortunate to have a top District law enforcement officer at the helm of this Commission who has deep familiarity with both the federal and District justice systems. Fulwood has proven himself to be particularly well-suited to lead a federal agency where more than 60 percent of those under his jurisdiction are D.C. residents. He has an unparalleled reputation as a tough law enforcement officer and as a well-regarded mentor of D.C. youth."

Norton, who has been working with Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and subcommittee on Administrative Oversight & the Courts Chair Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), does not expect difficulty getting the bill through the Senate.

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