NW Tennessee News

Congressman David Kustoff of Tennessee and Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas held a press conference to introduce the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act. The proposed legislation aims to stop inmates from using contraband cellphones in prisons by allowing the installation of cellphone jamming systems in state and federal facilities.

Kustoff opened his remarks by highlighting the widespread support for the initiative. "I want to thank so many people, all the correctional leaders, the Correctional Leaders Association, the American Correctional Association, our State Attorneys General, our Governors, and so many others across the nation who are supporting our efforts," he said.

He underscored the danger posed by inmates coordinating criminal activities from within prison walls. Kustoff remarked, "It should not be possible for people behind prison bars to order hits on people, to conduct gang activity, and to traffic drugs while behind the walls of the prison."

As a former U.S. Attorney, Kustoff drew on his experience to illustrate the need for the legislation. He recounted an incident in Tennessee where an inmate allegedly used a cellphone to orchestrate a drug conspiracy. "This is outrageous. You can tell these stories and hear these stories in all 50 states across the country," he stated.

Kustoff emphasized the imperative for federal support in equipping correctional facilities to maintain public safety. "It is critical that the federal government support, defend, and provide the necessary resources for correctional facilities to operate effectively and to ensure the well-being of the public," he asserted.

The Congressman called for swift Congressional action to mitigate the risks of prison-initiated crimes. "Congress should act now—because each and every day that we wait, innocent lives remain at risk," he concluded.

The full text of the bill is available for public review.