Tim Scott: “I rise in support of H.R. 3235, the National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Act of 2000. I am a cosponsor of…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 3235, the National Police Athletic League Youth Enrichment Act of 2000. I am a cosponsor of this bill. Although we have not had hearings on it and I generally do not support consideration of legislation without hearings, I believe that the congressional record in this Congress sufficiently supports the passage of this legislation and to have its passage take place expeditiously. H.R. 3235 would award grant moneys to the Police Athletic League to assist the establishment of Police Athletic League chapters in high-crime and low-income areas as well as enhance existing services provided by the Police Athletic League. They offer young people opportunities to engage in constructive activities, including recreational programming and activities in creative and performing arts. I am pleased to note that research on these programs shows that communities with this program show a decrease in juvenile crime. In a survey of the California Police Athletic League, for example, preliminary data shows that communities served by the program reported a 34 percent decrease in juvenile arrests, a 58 percent decrease in aggravated assaults committed by juveniles and a 47 percent drop in the number of armed robberies by juveniles. In short, Mr. Speaker, the record reflects that prevention and early intervention as compared to other approaches to reducing juvenile crime and delinquency are the most effective.”