Orrin Hatch: “I have what I consider to be quite important remarks here today, after meeting in the Judiciary Committee this morning.…”

“I have what I consider to be quite important remarks here today, after meeting in the Judiciary Committee this morning. President Clinton is prepared, in my opinion, to end the death penalty in the States and at the Federal level. Last week the other body left in its crime bill the so-called Racial Justice Act. This provision, through its misuse of racial statistics, will result in the abolition of the death penalty in every State which has a constitutional death penalty, including my State of Utah, as well as every Federal death penalty. They will all be removed. This provision is opposed by most State attorneys general, the National District Attorneys Association, and other law enforcement and victims groups. To my astonishment, Attorney General Reno, in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee just this morning, expressed the Clinton administration's neutrality regarding this provision. Evidently, the President is prepared to sign a bill which will include this provision. Thus, in a single blow, President Clinton is prepared effectively to strike down this law enforcement tool favored by the overwhelming majority of Americans. While professing verbal support for the death penalty, this administration is a cynical and willing participant in the destruction of the death penalty.”