William C. Baker: “I rise to support the Chapman amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same. It is for this Congress to address the…”

“I rise to support the Chapman amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same. It is for this Congress to address the need to keep violent felons locked up and not out wandering the streets. This amendment gives States financial incentives to build and operate new prisons with just a 10-percent State match. Truth in sentencing targets violent offenders only the first time they victimize an innocent citizen, not the third time. The Chapman amendment would allow States to house approximately 100,000 new violent prisoners. My California colleagues should take note that the Golden State would be eligible for $447 million in additional prison construction funds in 1995. The potential savings to society and victims over 5 years would be between $48 billion and $62 billion. The memory of Polly Klaas demands that we pass truth in sentencing. Polly Klaas' father, Mark, has devoted himself to passing truth-in-sentencing laws, and I applaud Mark for his tremendous courage. Mark is trying to bring some good out of the senseless tragedy of his daughter, Polly, and truth in sentencing is a good place to start. It is time to get serious about locking up the 7 percent of violent criminals which commit two-thirds of all violent crimes. Support the Chapman amendment.”