08.22.17

Durbin, Bustos Tour Continued Activation Of Thomson Prison

THOMSON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (IL-17) today toured Thomson correctional facility and received an update on the continued activation of the facility by the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). 

“Today, Congresswoman Bustos and I were assured that the activation of Thomson prison remains on schedule and that they are making good progress on critical infrastructure projects,” Durbin said.  “Congresswoman Bustos and I have been working to secure robust federal funding and resources for the activation of Thomson prison for years and will continue to do so as Congress moves forward with spending legislation this fall.  Thomson prison is an important component of the Department of Justice’s plan to tackle major challenges faced by our prison system and to promote economic growth in the region, and I am excited to see it moving closer to full activation.”

“By achieving full activation at Thomson prison, we’ll help create good jobs for hardworking men and women in this community while doing our part to address the problem of overcrowded prisons across our country,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “Following our tour today, Senator Durbin and I are encouraged by the progress being made at Thomson and we’ll continue pushing to provide the federal funds needed to get Thomson to full activation.”

Last month, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a bipartisan fiscal year 2018 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill that includes $80 million for the continued activation of Thomson correctional facility.  The legislation must now be passed by the full Senate and then reconciled with the House version of the bill.