Sam Gejdenson: “I rise to express numerous concerns about H.R. 728. At the outset I would like to commend the gentleman from Michigan…”

“I rise to express numerous concerns about H.R. 728. At the outset I would like to commend the gentleman from Michigan, Mr. Conyers, and the gentleman from New York, Mr. Schumer, for their efforts over the last week to improve these so-called crime bills that our Republican colleagues have brought to the floor. They have raised many important issues which have not been given proper consideration by the other side in their rush to bring bill after bill to the floor in order to meet an arbitrary 100-day deadline. H.R. 728 is the final blow to the most comprehensive crime fighting legislation ever passed by Congress. The Crime Bill struck a smart balance between punishment and prevention. It had the support of police, local officials, Governors, community leaders, teachers, recreation directors, and many others across the country. Most importantly, it responded to the calls of the American people for safer neighborhoods by establishing a grant program to put 100,000 new police officers on our streets. Thanks to Herculean efforts by the Justice Department, funds have already been directed to thousands of communities, large and small, to hire approximately 17,000 new police. Importantly, these officers will be involved in community policing. Community policing has been proven successful over and over again in reducing crime and improving relations between law enforcement personnel and residents.”