Us Congress House Bill HJR97

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/7/23
• Refer: 11/7/23

Caption

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Justice relating to "Office of the Attorney General; Home Confinement Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act".

Impact

Should HJR97 pass, it would nullify the DOJ's rule, thereby removing the provisions that allowed for greater flexibility in the use of home confinement as an alternative to in-person imprisonment. This action would reinstate the previous confinement practices which may affect not only current incarcerated individuals but also future cases where home confinement could be considered a viable option. Proponents of the resolution argue that this move is essential to maintain the integrity of the justice system, while opponents express concerns regarding the potential negative implications for rehabilitation and dealing with overpopulation in prisons.

Summary

HJR97 is a joint resolution introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at disapproving a specific rule enacted by the Department of Justice concerning home confinement under the CARES Act. This rule was intended to provide guidance regarding the conditions under which individuals could be placed under home confinement, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. By introducing this resolution, the bill seeks to prevent the enforcement of the DOJ's home confinement rule, effectively rejecting the adjustments made to traditional confinement protocols during the health crisis.

Contention

There is considerable debate surrounding HJR97, with supporters claiming that it fortifies traditional incarceration methods that have long been a staple of the U.S. justice system. By disapproving the rule, they argue, it ensures that offenders serve their sentences without the leniency of being placed in home confinement, thus upholding accountability. Conversely, critics argue that it dismisses the potential for rehabilitation and harm reduction that home confinement offers, particularly for low-risk offenders and during situations where health risks are a concern. The tension between maintaining strict punitive measures versus adopting more rehabilitative approaches remains a central theme in discussions about HJR97.