Victor Fazio: “I rise in support of H.R. 4092, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, an important step toward confronting…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 4092, the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, an important step toward confronting and addressing crime. If this bill is enacted, a criminal who has already been convicted of two serious drug offenses, or violent offenses with a potential sentence of 10 years, will face life imprisonment if convicted of a third Federal violent felony. This provision--known as three-strikes- and-you're-out--will keep repeat violent offenders off the streets. In recognition of the critical role that our communities, themselves, play in fighting crime, this bill provides grants for community policing. This support will enable State and local governments to rehire police officers who have been laid off, as well as hire and train new officers. There are also measures to reduce the incidence of violence against women, and to punish those who commit crimes of violence against women. The Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act also increases Federal penalties for assaults against children and it requires anyone who has committed a crime against a child--including sexual offense--to register with State law enforcement. This crime bill supports programs that reduce gang membership and provide alternatives for youth who are at-risk. It also gives local governments fast access to flexible Federal funds for a variety of anticrime strategies.”