The head of the federal Bureau of Prisons — who oversees more than 120 facilities, 176,000 inmates, and 36,000 employees on a budget exceeding $7 billion — is currently appointed by the Attorney General without Senate confirmation. This bill would change that, requiring the President to nominate and the Senate to confirm the Bureau of Prisons Director, just like the heads of the FBI, DEA, and ATF. The director would serve a single 10-year term, adding independence from political pressure.
Congressional Summary
Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2025 This bill modifies the appointment procedures and term of service for the Director of the Bureau of Prisons.Currently, the director is appointed by the Attorney General. This bill requires the director to be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.The bill also limits the director to a single term of 10 years.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-07-10
- Date Added
- 2026-04-06