Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me quickly say that I respect the gentleman, but I take great issue in calling a Member's amendment, or the analysis…”

“Let me quickly say that I respect the gentleman, but I take great issue in calling a Member's amendment, or the analysis of that amendment, ridiculous, because it is not ridiculous. It is an extremely reasonable amendment. And unless he has some powers that I am not aware of, no one can predict when a prosecutor will determine that they will prosecute. We cannot. We pass criminal justice laws every day and cannot predict. Whether or not it is based upon the Sessions memo, which as far as anyone who can read knows that we are going back to a stricter enforcement of everything criminal against everyone. That is clear. The Jackson Lee amendment recognizes that not all sex offenses are the same. And currently, section 2251 is a one-size-fits-all sentencing scheme. It fits all, even a 19-year-old. The Jackson Lee amendment would provide a better alternative. Punishment will be available involving offenses. When defendants are no more than 19 years old, they would have other alternatives. The judge would have discretion. That is simply what we are asking for. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record an article entitled, ``Keep Mandatory Minimums Out of the Juvenile Justice System.'' This bill does not do that; and I also include an article entitled, ``Teenage Sexting is Not Child Porn.'' [June 16, 2014] OP-ED: Keep Mandatory Minimums Out of the Juvenile Justice System (By Lizzie Buchen) Across the country, mandatory minimum sentences are falling out of favor.…”