[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE STALKING PREVENTION AND VICTIM PROTECTION ACT OF 
                                  1999

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SUE W. KELLY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 1999

  Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of introducing 
the Stalking Prevention and Victim Protection Act of 1999. This 
legislation addresses a problem of increasing prevalence in our nation. 
While stalking is perhaps most popularly regarded as a crime only to be 
dealt with by celebrities with bodyguards and fortress-like estates, 
this is simply not the case. According to statistics released by the 
Justice Department, over 1,000,000 women and 370,000 men are victimized 
by stalkers every year. These estimates greatly exceed previous 
estimates, and clearly indicate a need for legislative redress. For 
this reason, I am reintroducing legislation that will provide greater 
protection to stalking victims.
  This legislation builds on an important anti-stalking law enacted in 
1996. The Interstate Stalking Punishment and Prevention Act, which was 
introduced by my colleague Congressman Royce, marked a significant 
stride in the effort to stop and prevent stalking, as it established 
for the first time federal penalties for interstate stalking. My bill 
seeks to enhance the ability of law enforcement to arrest and prosecute 
stalkers by broadening the definition of stalking to include interstate 
communications such as mail and e-mail. Furthermore, by criminalizing 
``threatening behavior'' as opposed to ``the demonstration of specific 
threats,'' this bill closes a loophole commonly used by accused 
stalkers to avoid conviction. The bill also include bail restrictions 
and enhanced sentencing provisions for repeat-offenders, along with the 
requirement that a mandatory protection order be issued for the victim.
  I've seen first-hand the horrible effects wrought on the lives of 
innocent people by stalkers. I've met people who face each day with an 
overwhelming fear for their safety, people whose spirits have been worn 
down by a undaunted menace. Congress must do more to protect these 
people, and I see this legislation as an important step in that 
direction. I certainly hope that my colleagues will agree with me.

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