Charles E. Schumer: “I rise in support of the bill. In my opinion, it is the best criminal bill we have written since this Congress started.…”

“I rise in support of the bill. In my opinion, it is the best criminal bill we have written since this Congress started. I am proud of it. Members should be proud of it. Because the crime bill is tough, and it is also smart. It is tough where we need to be tough. It hit violent offenders with severe punishment measures. It helps States build prison space to house their worst criminals. But it is also smart where we need to be smart. It targets help on protecting children from violence and breaking cycles of crime and drugs and poverty. It answers urgent pleas for communities overwhelmed by violence. It sends them real solid help that will make a difference to millions of Americans. My colleagues, this bill is historic. It is a carefully-reasoned balance of punishment and prevention. And we need both. I urge every one of my colleagues to remember that balance as we debate the bill.”