Bob Franks: “today I am introducing the Joan's Law Act of 1997. This legislation will reflect the recently enacted New Jersey Joan's…”

“today I am introducing the Joan's Law Act of 1997. This legislation will reflect the recently enacted New Jersey Joan's Law. I introduced this bill on behalf of the family and friends of Joan D'Alesandro, a 7-year-old Hillsdale, NJ, girl who was raped and murdered in 1973. Joan's murderer, who lived across the street and participated in the family's search for their daughter, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Now eligible for parole, he has twice sought release since his incarceration. Mr. Speaker, my bill states that any person who is convicted of a Federal offense defined as a serious violent felony should be sentenced either to death or imprisonment for life when the victim of the crime is 14 years of age or younger and dies as a result of the offense. This bill sends the strongest possible message to anyone who would take the life of a child: If you do so, you will either forfeit your own life or live out all your remaining days in a Federal prison. I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this legislation.”