Pete Sessions: “I think there are some good things in the bill, and I would like to make a few points that I think are important. One…”

“I think there are some good things in the bill, and I would like to make a few points that I think are important. One thing I know the chairman is interested in and has been a leader in supporting is the Coverdell forensic science legislation, named for former Senator Coverdell of Georgia, who is now deceased. I know that Senator Miller, the Acting President pro tempore, has been instrumental and helpful in making this bill a reality. The reason it is important is this. Throughout our entire criminal justice system, it is my view that delay is hurting justice in America. Cases take far longer than necessary to reach a conclusion, and justice delayed is justice denied. When a criminal is caught in a significant drug case, dealing drugs or some other offense, and time goes by, month after month after month, and that person is released on bail, back in the community amongst maybe his friends and criminal element and others who are looking to see if anything is going to happen to the person who got caught burglarizing an automobile or home or selling drugs, and a year or more goes by and nothing happens--that is a problem.”