Subject: Private Prison Information Act of 2006

Regrettably, current Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) laws do not
explicitly apply to privately owned and operated prisons and immigration
detention centers. The media and reputable non-governmental organizations
have reported significant mistreatment of both prisoners and immigration
detainees held in private prisons including, for example, requiring the
shackling of immigration detainees to take a shower and the over-use of
psychotropic drugs to reduce anxiety and depression. These policies and
practices remain out of sight, out of mind to the American public since
the information is barred from release by the private prisons. The
Private Prison Information Act of 2006, about to be proposed by Senator
Lieberman, would apply protections analogous to the Freedom of
Information Act to private facilities that hold vulnerable and often
forgotten prison populations: U.S. citizen federal prisoners and other
detainees, including noncitizens held for the Department of Homeland
Security as they go through immigration proceedings.

We are urging organizations to support this legislation by signing on to
the attached letter. We would like responses by Friday September 29.
Please send endorsements to

Kerri Sherlock
Director of Policy and Planning
Liberty and Justice for All
w: 202-296-2300 x 114
m: 202-360-2706

KSherlock@RightsWorkingGroup.org

Please feel free to call me, Kerri, or Chris Nugent (202 419-2428) if
there are any questions. Thank you for your help.

Milt

Milton J. Roney
Director for Legislative Affairs
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
122 C St. NW
Washington, DC 20001
Telephone:202 626-7934
Fax: 202 783-7502
Cell: 202 253-033