[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 29 (Tuesday, February 14, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E344-E345]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            CRIME IN AMERICA

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 14, 1995
  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a former Federal prosecutor 
to discuss the growing problem of crime facing our country. 
  [[Page E345]] America approaches the 21st century as the most 
advanced civilization man has ever seen. We have the world's largest 
and most vibrant economy and remain the only military superpower left 
standing after the cold war. We should be looking toward the new 
millennium with nothing but enthusiastic expectations of greatness for 
ourselves and our children. Yet we confront an enemy today that 
threatens the very fabric of our society.
  Crime in the United States is on the rise, and the violence and 
insecurity it breeds will erode the American people's faith in their 
elected government and destroy the dreams of the hundreds of millions 
who have pinned their hopes on our success. It is unsurprising, too, 
that their faith is wavering when one considers just a few of the 
startling facts about the demise of law and order in our country.
  Today 8 out of every 10 Americans can expect to be the victim of a 
violent crime at least once in their lives. Since 1960, crime has 
increased by over 300 percent, and violent crime has gone up by over 
550 percent. The rate of homicide is five times greater here than in 
Europe, and four times greater than in neighboring Canada. Rape in the 
United States is seven times more likely than in Europe.
  What is even sadder is that these statistics have a disproportionate 
impact on our children. Teenagers are 2\1/2\ times more likely to be 
victims of violent crime than those over 20. And from 1960 to 1991, the 
rate of homicide deaths among children under age 19 more than 
quadrupled.
  In what has become an oft-consulted collection of documents for many 
of the Members of this Congress, John Jay wrote in the Federalist 
Papers these very poignant words: ``Among the many objects to which a 
wise and free people find it necessary to direct their attention, that 
of providing for their safety seems first.'' If indeed public safety is 
our first priority, then we as a body have been given an opportunity to 
carry out our obligation.
  As the contract's crime package passes the House, I congratulate my 
colleagues' strong support for each of the six separate measures. The 
package includes a strengthening of the death penalty and longer prison 
sentences for criminals. It makes it more difficult for criminal aliens 
to remain among us, and closes loopholes in the law that for too long 
have set the guilty free on technicalities. It puts more police on the 
streets, gives local units of government wide latitude to develop crime 
prevention programs, and finally recognizes the rights of the victims 
for a change.
  These reforms represent the best hope for us to begin restoring the 
rule of law of our land, and they reflect the will of a large majority 
of Americans. Most Americans believe strong, swift punishment acts as a 
credible deterrent to individuals who might consider committing a 
crime.
  This package acts on that belief and reflects their philosophy in six 
different but important ways. It promises to make real steps toward 
catching, convicting, and incarcerating more murderers, rapists, and 
thieves.
  The debate over these crime bills has embroiled us in more than an 
exchange of competing partisan ideas. It has in fact engaged us in a 
struggle that effects the very core of American society. Despite all of 
our Nation's glorious successes, our robust economy, our military 
prowess, and our clear and unquestioned recognition as the leader of 
the free world, we cannot expect our Nation to survive, let alone 
remain on top, if it continues to rot from within.
  As the discussions end, I once again congratulate my colleagues on 
taking swift and strong action on behalf of the well-being and safety 
of our Nation. We owe it to every American to make the war on crime our 
paramount concern, and tonight we can go home knowing that while we 
certainly did not solve all our problems, we have indeed made great 
strides in the right direction.


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