William R. Richardson: “Let us not play politics with the crime issue. Let us remember that violent crime is a national issue and not a…”

“Let us not play politics with the crime issue. Let us remember that violent crime is a national issue and not a political issue. Victims of crime do not care whether they are helped by Democrats or Republicans, they just want to be helped. Listening to some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I detect a little bit of concern that the Democrats will get too much political credit if a crime bill passes. Let us also remember that action on the habeas corpus and racial justice provisions could upset the fragile coalition that is holding this bill together. Mr. Speaker, this is the best crime bill that an administration and a Congress, working together, have set forth. It contains measures for more police, more punishment, and more prevention, just what the public wants. Mr. Speaker, let us not allow Members of Congress to get in the way of a good piece of legislation, one that the public wants. President Clinton has called upon Congress to vote for a crime package that is strong, smart and tough. A package that will punish offenders, yet will also promote measures to prevent crime. This crime bill does just that--it punishes criminals and offers good prevention measures! This crime bill is tough. The 'three strikes you're out' provision will send criminals with three serious offenses to prison for life with no possibility of parole.”