[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 161 (Wednesday, October 18, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S15291]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HATCH:
  S. 1333. A bill to provide for a reduction of sentence for providing 
useful investigative information, and for other purposes; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.


     the substantial assistance clarification amendment act of 1995

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Substantial 
Assistance Clarification Amendment Act of 1995. This amendment to 
Federal sentencing procedures clarifies the procedures by which the 
Government may move that the court sentence a defendant below a 
statutory minimum sentence based on the defendant's cooperation with 
the Government.
  My bill removes the requirement that a substantial assistance 
reduction be based on information relating to a particular person being 
investigated or prosecuted. Instead, under my bill, such a reduction 
could be given in exchange for substantial assistance in the 
investigation or prosecution of any offense, even if the defendant is 
unaware of the specific person or persons involved.
  My bill will assist Federal prosecutors in their task of bringing 
criminals to justice by giving them additional leverage with which to 
uncover needed evidence. It will also provide incentives to defendants 
to come clean, and mitigate their crimes by cooperating with the 
prosecution.
  This bill does nothing to lessen the punishment for truly culpable 
defendants who deserve the full measure of punishment the law provides. 
It simply strengthens a tool in the prosecution's toolbox. It furthers 
the interests of justice, and I urge its passage.
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