Stephen Horn: “Crime has become the most important issue to Americans today. The Democratic majority has told us that we will debate a…”

“Crime has become the most important issue to Americans today. The Democratic majority has told us that we will debate a tough anticrime package this afternoon to help ease their concerns. However, the truth is that anything considered remotely tough has been thrown out. The American people need to know what the Democratic majority will not allow on the House floor for real debate, much less an honest vote--without a phony king of the hill procedure which chokes off democracy in this House. An amendment to limit the endless appeal process for prisoners on death row, making it more effective. Pre-trial detention, to keep two-time felons off the street while they are awaiting trial. A truth-in-sentencing requirement at the State level to make sure that felons are serving at least 85 percent of their sentences. A meaningful 'three strikes and you're out,' with no loopholes to let criminals escape life sentences because of technicalities. A vote on the exclusionary rule which would provide a good faith exception standard to permit evidence to be introduced in court. Mr. Speaker, the arrogance of the Democratic majority has cost this legislation the teeth it needed to protect our citizens. And as crime continues to escalate, it is inevitable that Congress will have to return here, to the scene of the crime, where we failed to do what the American people expected us to do in the first place.”