Arlen Specter: “I agree with the arguments made both by the Senator from Idaho and the Senator from Illinois that it is very useful to…”

“I agree with the arguments made both by the Senator from Idaho and the Senator from Illinois that it is very useful to have a Federal crackdown on those who violate the law with guns. When I was district attorney in Philadelphia, I sought to have the Board of Judges impose a standard rule that there be at least some jail time for those who violate the law with guns, and was unsuccessful in that effort. One of the first pieces of legislation I introduced on coming to the Senate provided for the armed career criminal bill, which mandates a sentence of 15 years to life for a career criminal who has been found in possession of a firearm. I am pleased the legislation offered by the Senator from Idaho will encompass the City of Philadelphia on a Federal crackdown. I do believe the Federal jurisdiction, with the speedy trial rules and the tougher sentencing and the avoidance, at least in my experience, in the Philadelphia State courts of judge shopping and plea bargaining, will be a great boon to cracking down on those who violate the law with guns.”