Eva M. Clayton: “I rise in support of H.R. 3525, the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996. This bill would amend title 18, the criminal…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3525, the Church Arson Prevention Act of 1996. This bill would amend title 18, the criminal title of the U.S. Code by facilitating prosecution and increasing penalties against those who would do violence to houses of worships. We have all been concerned over the disturbing trend of African-American church burnings, two a month over the past 18 months, and three more this past weekend. This bill will address that alarming trend. But, there have also been other acts of violence directed at houses of worship, such as vandalism, desecrations, and even drive-by shootings. This bill will address that alarming trend as well. The bill makes clear that it is a Federal crime to deface or destroy religious property for racial, ethnic, or religious reasons. More importantly, the bill removes the current requirement that the offense cause at least $10,000 in damage--a threshold that has made it very difficult to prosecute such cases in the past. And, the bill makes victims of religious property defacing or destruction eligible for compensation under the Victims of Crime Act. This provision is important as many churches seek to rebuild following the rash of destruction, particularly the church burnings. I am exploring other ways in which the Federal Government can make communities whole when faced with these crimes, especially ways we can help in the rebuilding of churches.”