[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 117 (Thursday, August 18, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 18, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS RATE PREVENTION KEY IN ANTI-CRIME LEGISLATION

  (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, yesterday a number of law enforcement 
officials from all across the country came and met with many Members of 
Congress. They were here not just to talk about more cops on the 
street, which they have a direct interest in. They were here not just 
to talk about building more prisons which will incarcerate violent 
offenders. They were not here just to talk about tougher laws like, 
``three strikes and your out'', which we all support.
  They were here because they believe prevention is the only way we can 
stem the tide of an inexorable number of young people moving into a 
life of crime.
  Yet we listen to the Republican partisan spin doctors today flying 
into the teeth of the views of law enforcement from across the country, 
yelling, ``Pork, pork, pork.'' This is a good example of how 
partisanship overcomes good policy;
  So much of what is in this bill has been proposed in past 
administrations. We have never before found the courage to come 
together and put a bill before this Congress that touches every element 
of the problem; prevention, punishment and increased policing. And now 
when we do get there, what do we find? Charges that somehow we have, 
through code words like ``midnight basketball,'' prostituted the real 
goals of fighting crime.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an outrage. It ought not to be allowed to last 
beyond Saturday. I think this Congress will act on a crime bill, and 
Republicans who do not wish to stand with us will pay the price.

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