Steven Schiff: “Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from New Jersey asked where did I get the idea that the policy in this bill as written is…”

“Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from New Jersey asked where did I get the idea that the policy in this bill as written is designed to release people that should not be released. The answer is in the idea of where alternative sentencing is placed. If alternative sentencing programs were set as an independent portion of this bill, then I would support it, but in this particular section it is placed in the area of prison space. That is a direct message to the States: 'If you want more space for violent criminals, release some other criminals or do not let them go to prison in the first place.' It is interesting, this bill among other things makes insurance fraud a Federal crime. The sponsor recognizes that there are nonviolent offenders who do damage society, and they should not be released if they are going to continue to damage society, whether they are burglars, whether they are auto thieves, whether they have ripped off savings and loans, or whatever the offense is.”