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Providing for Consideration of H.R. 3132, Children's Safety Act of 2005

Date: Sept. 14, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Minors and Children


PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3132, CHILDREN'S SAFETY ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - September 14, 2005)

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Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding me this time, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, we are here today to consider the rule for H.R. 3132, the Children's Safety Act of 2005. This rule has a requirement that all amendments be preprinted in the Congressional Record to be in order for today's floor debate. While this rule is less restrictive than most rules we report out of the Committee on Rules, I must point out that it is not an open rule. It restricts the debate we will be able to have today on this bill by preventing Members from offering any new amendments.

For example, if a Member came up with a good idea for an amendment today based upon the discussion, he or she would not be able to offer it. That is unfortunate, because the Children's Safety Act is important legislation that aims to protect our children and allow them to grow up unharmed and free from abuse, but it is not perfect.

This legislation ties the hands of the judiciary. We must allow those most competent, the judge who has presided over the case, who has seen and heard from the victim, to determine the appropriate punishment. Our judges are best positioned to hand down sentences that correspond with the crime committed.

Mr. Speaker, it is our responsibility to create laws that protect our children from harm.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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