Sheila Jackson Lee: “Justice Roberts stated for the court in reversing the lower court: ``Some toxins can be deadly in small doses.''…”

“Justice Roberts stated for the court in reversing the lower court: ``Some toxins can be deadly in small doses.'' Likewise, in the Gregg v. Georgia case, decided after Furman, the court held that if death penalty is mandatory, such that no permission for mercy is granted, and where capital punishment is based on characteristics of the offender, then it is unconstitutional and ``arbitrary and capricious.'' The underlying bill has mandatory death penalties. It will cover first responders if they are killed pursuant to Federal crimes. We are standing here, not adding anything to the underlying bill. First responders are protected. Law enforcement are protected. I would hate to see any of them lose their life, but under a Federal crime, their case will be tried as a death penalty case. In other instances, it will be tried by State law. We respect these heroes and sheroes. It is shameful if we use that to add another aggravating element to the death penalty, and continue to discriminate based on race. Mr. Speaker, I would ask my colleagues to oppose this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I want to first acknowledge and commend the law enforcement community throughout our country that work tirelessly to help protect and serve our communities. I especially want to thank Chief Acevedo for his leadership, commitment to Houston, and for his vision on unifying communities through police relations with the people they take an oath to serve and protect.…”