Cliff Stearns: “there is one crime which is so scurrilous in nature, that when it comes to light, the majority of Americans are united…”

“there is one crime which is so scurrilous in nature, that when it comes to light, the majority of Americans are united in their anger and utter disdain. The crime to which I refer is treason. Such acts of treachery cannot be equaled with respect to the long-term and damaging effects they have on our country's national security. When such an act results in the death of an agent acting on behalf of the United States, such a betrayal becomes even more heinous. Because I believe so strongly in bringing those individuals to justice when they commit such acts, I am proud to be a cosponsor and supporter of Congressman Bob Dornan's ``death penalty for espionage.'' Sadly, we have recently learned of such a case. I am, of course, referring to Aldrich Ames and his wife. To borrow a line from Robert Browning's ``The Lost Leader'': ``Just for a handful of silver he left us, Just for a riband to stick in his coat.'' Mr. Speaker, I think those lines really sum it up. We must impose the maximum punishment under law and in certain cases of espionage such as the Ames case, we must impose the death penalty as a proper and just sentence.”