Legislation Will Complement Senate Version of the Bill
By Hank Russell
U.S. Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City) recently introduced the “Safer Prisons Act of 2024.” This legislation serves as the House of Representatives’ companion to U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn’s (R-Tennessee) legislation of the same name. If adopted, this legislation would double the maximum term of imprisonment for those convicted of assaulting a federal Bureau of Prisons correctional officer.
Blackburn introduced her bill in February after learning of an inmate in a federal prison in Pennsylvania took a correction officer’s service baton and assaulted him with it, causing lacerations and a hematoma, according to a local news report. When two other officers came in to help, the inmate bit one on the arm and the other on the finger.
“Federal prisons have become increasingly unsafe for the brave men and women who serve as federal corrections officers,” Blackburn said in a statement. “Incidents of inmates assaulting BOP officers have been on the rise and often result in PTSD for the affected officers as they continue to do their jobs. To deter these acts of violence, this bill doubles the criminal penalties for assaulting a BOP correctional officer.”
The Safer Prisons Act is close to D’Esposito, a former detective with the New York City police department and co-chair of the Congressional Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus. “As a retired NYPD detective, I was proud to work hand in hand with brave federal BOP corrections officers. These men and women play a critical role in our justice system, and deserve the full support of Congress. I’m proud to join Sen. Blackburn in introducing this legislation to combat the rising tide of attacks on correctional officers.”
D’Esposito recently received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump. Citing his former career in law enforcement, Trump posted on social media, “A retired NYPD police detective, Anthony is working hard to Uphold the Rule of Law, Create Jobs and Lower Inflation, Secure the Border, and Support our Incredible Military and Police Officers. Anthony D’Esposito has my Complete and Total Endorsement!”