Orrin Hatch: “last week, on this floor, I explained in detail how title IX of the House crime bill--which is mislabeled by some as the…”

“last week, on this floor, I explained in detail how title IX of the House crime bill--which is mislabeled by some as the Racial Justice Act--would effectively abolish the death penalty in my home State of Utah and in every other State in this country, as well as the Federal level. Unfortunately, President Clinton, despite his rhetoric in support of the death penalty, has not yet stated his opposition to this Death Penalty Abolition Act. Indeed, his administration has publicly stated that it is neutral on this radical measure. Even worse, according to a detailed newspaper account, the Clinton administration in fact lobbied House Democrats to keep title IX in the House crime bill. In addition, the Clinton administration is reportedly seeking to hammer out a false compromise under which the death penalty would ultimately be abolished in two steps rather than one. Mr. President, let me be clear: The so-called Racial Justice Act has nothing to do with racial justice and everything to do with abolishing the death penalty. In the guise of protecting against race-based discrimination, title IX would instead impose an unreliable and manipulable statistical quota on imposition of the death penalty. It would convert every death penalty case into a massive sideshow of statistical squabbles and quota quarrels. As prosecutors already recognize, they would ultimately have no choice but to adopt a death penalty quota that equals zero--in short, to abolish the death penalty.”