William Helms: “on December 6, 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an opinion that has undermined the prosecution of literally…”

“on December 6, 1995, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down an opinion that has undermined the prosecution of literally hundreds of violent and drug trafficking criminals. There could not have been a worse time to go soft on criminals, but when the Supreme Court's decision was announced, hardened convicts across America were overjoyed by the prospect of prison doors swinging open for them. Sure enough, since the Court's decision just over 1 year ago, hundreds of criminals have indeed been set free. The bill I am introducing today will correct the Supreme Court's blunder, and it will crack down on gun-toting thugs who commit all manner of unspeakable crimes. I am advised that my bill is being numbered S. 43, and it provides that a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence shall be imposed upon any criminal possessing a gun during and in relation to the commission of a violent or drug trafficking crime. If the criminal fires the weapon, the mandatory penalty is elevated to 10 years. If there is a killing during the crime, the punishment is life imprisonment or the death penalty. This is just common sense, Mr. President; violent felons who possess firearms are demonstrably more dangerous than those who do not.”