Lynn Schenk: “Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Chapman amendment for truth-in-sentencing which provides States with over $10…”

“Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Chapman amendment for truth-in-sentencing which provides States with over $10 billion in prison funds and makes those funds contingent on States requiring violent criminals to serve most of their sentences. Our fellow citizens across the country have sent this Congress a clear message: "Stop early parole for rapists, murderers, and child molesters, and maybe we will stop them from striking again." My State, California, has the fourth highest violent crime rate in the Nation, and yet murderers spend an average of only 14 years in prison, rapists an average of 4, and child molesters an average of only 3 years. The damage they do, of course, lasts a lifetime. This amendment will change that. It actually provides funds to build prisons and does not simply institute another unfunded mandate. The issue here is simple: If a criminal does the crime, he or she must serve the time. I urge my colleagues to pass this amendment.”