[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 126 (Friday, September 24, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H8632]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CRIME OUGHT NOT TO PAY

  (Mr. STRICKLAND asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. STRICKLAND. Mr. Speaker, I believe that crime ought not to pay 
and the public agrees with me that crime should not pay and that is why 
a recent national survey has concluded that a vast majority of the 
American people oppose the privatization of America's jails and 
prisons.
  In fact, 51 percent oppose and 34 percent strongly oppose the 
privatization of these institutions. Voters believe that government-run 
prisons are more accountable to the public, do a better job of 
preventing escape and do a better job of protecting public safety.
  Further, voters also think that prisons run by private companies are 
more likely to be understaffed, to have poorly trained staff, and to be 
less accountable by cutting corners.
  That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring the 
public safety act, which is an act which would prevent the further 
privatization of our Federal institutions and would discourage our 
States from privatizing their jails and prisons.

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