George,

In a letter I received, signed by Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), stated that on Thursday, January 21, 2010, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the "National Criminal Justice Commission Act (S.714) with strong bipartisan support.

The National Criminal Justice Commission Act of 2010 was introduced by Senator Webb on March 26, 2009, will create a blue-ribbon commission charged with undertaking an 18-month review of the criminal justice system. Its task will be to propose concrete recommendations that will address reforming the National Criminal System.

America is the world's number one jailer with more peolpe incarcerated than any other country. There are 2.3 million people in America's prisons and jails.

In my letter to Senator Webb, shortly after he introduced his legislation nearly a year ago, I commended him for having the courage to do what no other Senator had been willing to do. I also expressed the view that the Commission did not need 18 months to examine and submit rcommendations to reform the criminal justic system. I am of the same opinion still.

The Senator stated in his letter that the National Criminal Justice Commission Act has garnered wide support from the Senate leadership, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Obama Admnistration. It has 35 cosponsors as on January 26 and endorsements of more than 100 national organizations and businesses.

While this legislation still has to be passed in the Senate, Webb is hopeful that this will happen this year. Again, I salute Senator Webb for his leadership aimed at reforming the Criminal Justice System.

Uriah J. Fields (Electronic mail, March 2, 2010)