Jasper Packard: “today we will take up the most pro-victim bill Congress has considered in almost a decade. H.R. 2703 establishes tough…”

“today we will take up the most pro-victim bill Congress has considered in almost a decade. H.R. 2703 establishes tough new statutes to allow Federal law enforcement officials to combat and punish acts of domestic and international terrorism. This measure combines crime legislation from the Contract With America and additional provisions designed to bring criminals to justice while getting justice for victims. H.R. 2703 makes the death penalty an effective and certain punishment by ending interminable delays and endless appeals. Further, the victim restitution act ensures that our judicial system pays victims of crime the utmost attention by implementing compliance standards for court ordered payments to crime victims as a condition for probation or parole. For my district, where illegal immigration's impact is felt more than in any other region, the bill includes essential initiatives to improve criminal alien deportation. This provision will expedite the immediate removal of aliens convicted of Federal offenses after they serve their prison terms. In addition, the bill will deny asylum procedure for such aliens. Mr. Speaker, my Republican colleagues and I are committed to ensuring the safety and well being of every American. The Effective Death Penalty and Public Safety Act of 1996 guarantees Americans the protections they want and deserve while providing tough penalties on those who would break our laws. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this measure.”