Kirk Watson: “I am dismayed that the amendment I wished to offer to this bill has been ruled out of order by the Committee on Rules.…”

“I am dismayed that the amendment I wished to offer to this bill has been ruled out of order by the Committee on Rules. By refusing to permit this amendment to even be debated, the House Republican leadership is dismissing the concerns of Americans, not only in my hometown, but in hometowns across America who believe that we should put all options on the table to fight violent gangs. Gang violence and gang activities are just not limited to inner city areas. Today, we will find some of the most violent and well-organized youth gangs in our Nation's richest suburbs and areas right around here in Arlington and Fairfax County, two of the most affluent counties in the U.S. Local law enforcement officials are dealing with a host of gangs, and according to the FBI, northern Virginia is one of the hottest regions in the Nation for gang activities. Despite the growing threat of organized gang violence to our national welfare, I know of no Federal Government report that contains a comprehensive listing and description of gangs, as well as an assessment of the demographic characteristics of those gangs that is prepared on an annual basis. Madam Speaker, I believe that the report my legislation would have mandated could have been widely used by local, State and Federal law enforcement officials. It would be the first Federal report prepared on an annual basis to provide a comprehensive overview of gang activity in the United States.…”