Julian Dixon: “today I rise in support of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (H.R. 4092). H.R. 4092 achieves a…”

“today I rise in support of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (H.R. 4092). H.R. 4092 achieves a necessary and critical balance between crime prevention and punishment. While I do not agree with every provision contained in the crime bill--namely the expansion of the number of Federal crimes punishable by the death penalty, and the ``three strikes, and you're out'' provision--I believe it takes significant steps to prevent crime, and provides for some appropriate punishments for those who violate our laws. This bill is imperfect. However, it presents this country with an excellent opportunity to address the issue of violence in our communities. It also moves this country in a new direction that empowers Americans to live out their dreams without the fear of violence. At the core of this bill are some very innovative prevention programs which are devoted to providing youth with employment, education, and recreation alternatives to crime and violence. For example, H.R. 4092 authorizes $1.3 billion over 5 years to the ``Ounce of Prevention'' program which would provide grants to organizations that have a coordinated team approach to reduce gang membership and provide alternatives to at-risk youth. The ``Hope in Youth'' program, which has several sites in my district in Los Angeles, would be eligible to receive grants to continue the organization's valiant and meritorious efforts to reduce gang membership and prevent new recruitment.”