DOJ in CRISIS? Todd Blanche ADMITS Prison Staffing COLLAPSE During Explosive Senate Hearing

A heated Senate hearing tu ed explosive as Deputy Atto ey General Todd Blanche acknowledged serious staffing shortages across the federal prison system, wa ing lawmakers that the crisis is worsening due to low pay, overtime pressure, and recruitment failures. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen pressed Blanche over conditions at FCI Berlin, where staffing levels reportedly dropped to nearly 58% of authorized levels. Blanche admitted correctional officers are leaving for higher-paying local jobs and said the DOJ is seeking additional funding to address retention and recruitment problems. The hearing also expanded into conce s over DEA staffing shortages, delayed funding for domestic violence organizations, and criticism surrounding canceled federal grants tied to violence prevention programs. Senators accused the administration and DOGE-linked budget cuts of disrupting critical services for survivors and public safety operations.