Jeff Miller: “This past week Ira Einhorn was finally extradited from France. While this is a notable victory, the extradition came…”

“This past week Ira Einhorn was finally extradited from France. While this is a notable victory, the extradition came only after several years of legal maneuvering and political posturing by Einhorn and the government of France. The Pennsylvania legislature actually had to pass a new law in order for the French to agree to the extradition. Four long years after the first request and 24 years after the murder of Holly Maddux, justice has finally been served. I know that Holly's family is more than relieved to have their sister's killer behind bars, but had they not had the financial resources to continue their pursuit of justice for 24 years, he may never have been returned. Whether or not a country approves of the U.S. system of justice should not be a factor in the decision to return a convicted killer to the United States. For those countries receiving foreign aid, that point could not be more valid. I cross-referenced the list of nations who would receive aid in this year's Foreign Operations bill with the list of countries who do not have extradition treaties. The result was a distressing 65 countries. That means that the United States taxpayer dollar goes to 65 countries who have not taken the time to negotiate a treaty with the United States on extraditing violent criminals. That is unacceptable. The problem needs to be addressed. An extradition treaty is not a matter of rocket science.”