[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H1468]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       CURING THE CRIME EPIDEMIC

  (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, if there were a disease in this 
country that affected Americans of all races, ages, and sexes, a 
disease of epidemic proportions that touched the lives of each American 
citizen every single day, an epidemic that took over America's streets 
and literally held our citizens hostage in their homes--if there were a 
disease such as this in our country, wouldn't this Congress do 
everything in its power to find a cure?
  Mr. Speaker, there is such a disease in this America today--the 
epidemic of crime--and the American people are crying out for a cure. 
Republicans are working hard to find a cure. Our crime bill answers the 
citizens' pleas by forcing criminals to pay and pay dearly for their 
crimes. It's time that the criminal element in this country takes 
responsibility and blame for spreading the disease of crime. It's time 
to stop punishing the victim and start punishing the criminal.
  Mr. Speaker, this crime bill is the best cure for the epidemic of 
crime in America. I urge my colleagues in this Congress to give the 
American people a cure that is tough and effective. Give them a real 
crime bill.

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