True. So i have good news from now on we will give americans an opportunity next summer up to 80 Young American leaders will join [ applause ] up to 80 Young American leaders will go there to africa to learn from you and your countries. You guys are going to have to look after them when theyre there. You know, show them good places. But not have too much fun. They need to be doing some work while theyre there. So these connections and partnerships and friendships, they forge an understanding that brings our peoples closer together. After six week period some of you are officially texas long horns or notre dame fighting irish. Youve shared african cooking with your american friends and youve have a burger and hot dog at a fourth of july celebrations. Im told many of you went bowling for the first time. I hear it didnt go that well. There were a few strikes. By the way, there was at least one marriage that came out last years class. [ applause ] so who knows what might happen here. So as
And later the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on the latest report on human trafficking. The Senate Homeland security and Governmental Affairs hearing held a hearing on prison system, the handling of inmates who show signs of mental illness. Piper kermits was developed into the orange is the new block. It is 2 hours, 40 minutes
Good morning. This hearing will come to order. Let me just say im really looking forward to this one. I was telling the witnesses, i have read all the testimony. And i generally do that as best of my ability. Sometimes the testimony before this committee can be a little dry. And as im reading late at night it will put me to sleep. Not so in this case whatsoever. I think the testimony was fascinating partly because i am somewhat new to this issue. Im going to keep my Opening Statements somewhat brief because i know senator booker would like to make a statement. Im pretty data driven. The data, statistics on this particular problem, the bureau of prisons and our high levels of incarceration rates are pretty stark. In 1980, for example, there were 25,000 people in the federal prison system. Today there is 209,000. Thats 736 increase. Our population only increased 40 . In total, back in 1980, about 500,000 people in prison. Today theres 2. 3 million. We in america have the highest level of