Victor Fazio: “Americans want Congress to pass the crime bill now; in fact, today. They do not want excuses, and they do not want…”

“Americans want Congress to pass the crime bill now; in fact, today. They do not want excuses, and they do not want partisan politics to get in the way. Ninety-three percent of all Americans believe that addressing crime and violence should be an absolute priority for this Congress, more support than on any other issue. This crime bill combines the best of what works between better protection, stronger punishment, and early prevention. But House Republicans are sending around letters trying to block the crime bill. Let me quote: ``If we Republicans work together, we can defeat this bill and craft a real crime bill that will give the crime issue back to Republicans for the upcoming elections.'' Mr. Speaker, crime is not about Democrats or Republicans, and it is not about elections. This crime bill is about putting real criminals behind bars and keeping them there, and about preventing crime in every corner of our Nation--rural, urban, and suburban. It is about giving our children a future. And it is about getting drugs and guns off our streets and out of the hands of criminals. Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important step. Let us join together, all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to pass this tough and smart crime bill today. The American people expect it of this Congress.”