Connie Mack: “when I saw this debate begin this morning, I thought it was appropriate--since this is an issue of deep concern in my…”

“when I saw this debate begin this morning, I thought it was appropriate--since this is an issue of deep concern in my State--that I have an opportunity to speak. I have taken a headline from the Florida Times Union of February 24, 1994. The headline says: ``Prison Math? `Life' Equals 5 Months.'' This is the result of a crime that took place some time ago in the State of Florida. The crime was committed by an individual who had been arrested 32 times, had 6 felonies, and was out on early release. He broke into a home, beat a woman, tied her up, stole her money, stole her car, was arrested; and under a new law in the State of Florida, he was given life in prison. That was 5 months ago. The individual is now being considered for early release. I want to say that again. This person was arrested 32 times, had six felony convictions and committed another crime while he was out on early release. For his latest crime, this individual was sentenced to life in prison, or so we thought. Next Tuesday, March 15, just 5 months after this villain was sentenced to life in prison, the parole commission in Florida will hold a hearing to determine if this individual should walk free. How many more innocent victims must suffer until we stop turning out prisoners?”