Charles T. Canady: “Mr. Speaker, there are few responsibilities that we have as Members of Congress that are more important than seeking to…”

“Mr. Speaker, there are few responsibilities that we have as Members of Congress that are more important than seeking to leave our children a better future. This legislation seeks to accomplish that goal by protecting children from illegal drugs, drug trafficking and the violence associated with the drug trade through increased prison sentences for Federal drug felonies involving or affecting children. H.R. 5312 increases the mandatory minimum prison sentences from 1 year to 3 years in three important areas. First, it raises the sentence to 3 years for those who use children to distribute drugs. Second, it raises the sentence to 3 years for those who traffic drugs to children. And third, it raises the sentence to 3 years for those who traffic drugs in or near a school or other protected location, including colleges, playgrounds, public housing facilities, youth centers, public swimming pools or video arcade facilities. In each of these circumstances, it raises the mandatory minimum sentence for a second time offender to 5 years. Mr. Speaker, protecting children should be a top priority for our society. Crime is down in America but we must remain vigilant. This bill sends an important and unmistakable message, do not involve our kids in your drug trade. By passing and enacting this legislation, we are doing more to make sure our children realize the promising future to which they are entitled.”