Peter Visclosky: “today we will consider a crime bill that aims to prevent crime before it happens and keep criminals locked up and off…”

“today we will consider a crime bill that aims to prevent crime before it happens and keep criminals locked up and off the streets. This balanced approach to making our streets safer is the result of Democratic leadership from the White House and Congress. Instead of trying to score political points, a Democrat in the White House has worked with the Democrats in Congress to craft legislation that will really make a difference. The bill increases penalties for violent crime, puts more police on the streets, and works to prevent crime. It also takes a common sense approach to some obvious problems. At a time when our children are increasingly victims of violent crime, this bill will make it illegal for children under the age of 18 to posses a handgun. This provision will help get handguns out of our schools and off our playgrounds. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a result of true leadership from President Clinton and Congress and it is aimed directly at stopping crime in America.”