Orrin Hatch: “this is a good amendment. If we are serious about crime, we have to do something about it. This is an amendment that…”

“this is a good amendment. If we are serious about crime, we have to do something about it. This is an amendment that will do something about it. In all the time I have been here, for the first time we will be able to have the moneys that will really make a difference against the criminal activity in this country that is ripping our country apart. The Gramm amendment establishes a violent crime reduction trust fund and affirms the Senate's position that savings earned through personnel reductions must be used to fund the crime bill. I was pleased to help craft this amendment when it passed as an amendment to the Senate crime bill last fall under the able leadership of the distinguished leadership of the Senator from West Virginia. I was also encouraged when it passed without opposition as an amendment to an earlier version of the buyout bill. Regarding the buyout bill, I have expressed an interest in limiting the availability of buyouts to law enforcement agencies to those cases where the agency replaces any participating agent with a new agent. It is my understanding and hope that the conferees will visit this issue during conference.”