[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 45 (Thursday, April 21, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: April 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   PASS TOUGH SMART CRIME BILL TODAY

  (Mr. FAZIO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. FAZIO. Mr. Speaker, Americans want Congress to pass the crime 
bill now; in fact, today. They do not want excuses, and they do not 
want partisan politics to get in the way. Ninety-three percent of all 
Americans believe that addressing crime and violence should be an 
absolute priority for this Congress, more support than on any other 
issue. This crime bill combines the best of what works between better 
protection, stronger punishment, and early prevention.
  But House Republicans are sending around letters trying to block the 
crime bill. Let me quote: ``If we Republicans work together, we can 
defeat this bill and craft a real crime bill that will give the crime 
issue back to Republicans for the upcoming elections.''
  Mr. Speaker, crime is not about Democrats or Republicans, and it is 
not about elections. This crime bill is about putting real criminals 
behind bars and keeping them there, and about preventing crime in every 
corner of our Nation--rural, urban, and suburban. It is about giving 
our children a future. And it is about getting drugs and guns off our 
streets and out of the hands of criminals.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is an important step. Let us join together, 
all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to pass this tough and smart 
crime bill today. The American people expect it of this Congress.

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