H.R. 1279, The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act
H.R. 1279, THE GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 17, 2005)
SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2005
Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my disappointment with H.R. 1279, the Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act.
The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act will neither deter youth from entering gangs nor add protections to our community. This legislation increases the use of the death penalty, creates new mandatory minimum sentences, and subjects more juveniles to trial as adults. I believe strongly that criminals must be punished and that we need to do more to deter our youth from entering gangs. However, research shows that these measures do not have their intended effect of reducing crime, have been misapplied based on race, are not the assistance requested by law enforcement, and do not address the reasons given by youth for their participation in gangs. In fact, this bill does nothing to address the real problems facing our youth or the needs of local law enforcement working with youth on a daily basis.
This year, in order to make room for tax cuts for the wealthy, the President and House Republicans have chosen to cut the very programs that provide hope and opportunity for youth. In his Fiscal Year 2006 budget, the President proposed eliminating funding for Safe and Drug Free Schools and freezing funding for after school programs. He also proposed eliminating funding for TRIO programs, which offer the opportunity for disadvantaged students to access higher education and for many job training programs currently serving youth in our communities.
Republicans have also chosen to cut funding for local law enforcement by eliminating funding for the COPS program and Byrne grant dollars which are vital to ensuring our peace officers have the training and manpower they need to keep our communities safe. In addition, Republican Leadership has failed to keep promises to fund juvenile justice programs that promote prevention and early intervention.
Investments in our youth and in local law enforcement will reduce crime and improve the safety of our neighborhoods. Law enforcement needs adequate equipment, training, and personnel. In order to succeed, children need recreational opportunities, a quality education, and role models to provide a positive example. Families need to have safe housing, access to health care, and the opportunities for good-paying jobs. Our priority should be investing in families-not prisons. For these reasons, I opposed H.R. 1279.
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