[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 35 (Thursday, March 14, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E365]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HARD TIME FOR GUN CRIMES ACT

                                 ______


                          HON. JON CHRISTENSEN

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 1996

  Mr. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Hard Time 
for Gun Crimes Act.
  This bill would make it clear that the problem with guns in our 
society is not the guns but the felons who use them for a criminal 
purpose. The bill would dramatically increase the penalties for 
possessing, brandishing, or discharging a firearm during the commission 
of a Federal felony.
  For instance, under my bill, if you fire a gun during the commission 
of a Federal crime: It it's the first offense, you'll get 30 extra 
years in jail; if it's the second offense, you'll get a minimum 50 
extra years in jail.
  The key message is that we've had it with gun-related violence. 
Americans have zero tolerance for gun crime, so our justice system 
should too. Our families and children shouldn't be afraid to walk to 
school, go to the grocery store, and leave their windows open at night.
  That's why I think we should work to keep those who would misuse guns 
in jail. No more slick criminal defense attorneys pushing criminals to 
freedom through legal loopholes. No more soft sentences after teary 
speeches before the bench. No more legal gymnastics setting criminals 
free after a fraction of their allotted time in jail.
  For 30 years, we've heard about rehabilitation and the root causes of 
crime. We should try to reform those who've committed crimes. We should 
try to address the grinding poverty of our urban areas, with welfare 
reform, for instance. But one of the root causes of crime--is 
criminals. Put a career criminal back on the street, and he's not 
rehabilitated, he's rejuvenated. What's gotten lost is punishment.
  The Hard Time for Gun Crimes Act sends a clear message: If you use a 
gun to commit a felony, plan on spending the next few decades behind 
bars--no exceptions.

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