[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 102 (Thursday, July 11, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. D'AMATO (for himself and Mr. Kerry):
  S. 1948. A bill to amend section 2241 of title 18, United States 
Code, to provide for Federal jurisdiction over sexual predators; to the 
Committee on the Judiciary.


                           Crime Legislation

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I offer a bill, originally 
sponsored in the House by my colleague from New York, Representative 
Slaughter. The bill will allow local district attorneys the option to 
federally prosecute repeat sexual offenders. Authorizing local district 
attorneys the opportunity to pursue Federal prosecution of habitual 
sexual offenders ensures that the toughest penalties will be imposed on 
these predators. They deserve nothing less.
  It is horrendous that a rapist's average sentence is only 10\1/2\ 
years, with even less time being served. The sentence for child sex 
offenders is no better. Too often, these monsters are on the street 
ready to prey on their next victim.
  In addition, repeat offenders convicted under this section of the 
bill will be sentenced to life for their second offense. Criminals 
repeatedly convicted of rape and serious sexual assaults must be taken 
off our streets and removed from our communities forever.
  I urge my colleagues to review the merits of this bill, join as 
cosponsors and urge its immediate passage.
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