Political Quotes

“I am a cosponsor of Aimee's Law legislation, and I rise in support of the bill, although I share the concern of the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) that the bill should have come through committee and we should have had the committee process work. We see that happen too often here on this floor, whether it be the week before the July recess with prescription drugs or managed care reform, or anything. I think we are subverting the will of this House when we do not use the committee structure the way it is supposed to be, not just to conduct hearings, but also to have the committee's vote on this legislation. But be that as it may, I support this bill. The only crimes that are more heinous than murder and rape are those same crimes committed against children. I believe that individuals who commit violent or sexual crimes against children should spend the rest of their lives in prison. If, however, a State believes that such a criminal has been rehabilitated and decides to release this person back into society before the end of his prison term, then it should be held responsible if that person commits that crime again in someone else's neighborhood or someone else's State. Under Aimee's Laws, those States who are irresponsible and release violent criminals would pay to incarcerate these criminals in the other State. This is a fair and just approach, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.”