Mark Kennedy: “I am here this morning to show my strong support for H.R. 2146, the Two Strikes and You're Out Child Protection Act…”

“I am here this morning to show my strong support for H.R. 2146, the Two Strikes and You're Out Child Protection Act, sponsored by my good friend, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green). This legislation would bring to justice the worst kind of sexual predators in our Nation, those who prey on our children. Statistics have shown that giving these predators two strikes is more than enough for what they are doing to our children. Actual rates of repeat offenders are two-and-a-half times higher than are reported. A study of offenders, as the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) was referring to earlier, shows those with two offenses each, in actuality, in one study, were found to have 110 different victims and committed 318 different offenses each. And, sadly, it is obvious that victims of child sex offenders have a higher risk of depression and suicide and are more likely to abuse alcohol and drugs. I know this will be a stringent and difficult guideline, but as a man with four children of my own, I think it is time that we crack down. Ronald Reagan said that government's first duty is to protect the people. By passing this important legislation, we stand up and say ``no.'' Now, I know there are some who wish to make some changes in this legislation, like exempting certain groups or geographic areas from its application. We cannot allow that to happen. Exempting some would only create a safe harbor for these predators to prey.”