[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 142 (Wednesday, November 1, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2049]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                INTRODUCTION OF THE SECURITY FOR ALL ACT

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                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I introduced legislation today to provide 
important tax deductions to both individuals and businesses who invest 
in security devices for their property.
  Fortunately, during the past several years the rates of property 
crime have been decreasing nationally. Even then, we still do have a 
real problem of property crime in this Nation.
  Annually, millions of dollars are lost by robberies or thefts to 
people's homes and businesses. This Congress should do everything it 
can be encourage crime prevention and protection for law-abiding 
citizens.
  It is for that reason, that I introduced the Security for All Act. My 
legislation would amend our current Federal Tax Code to provide for 
deductions to individuals and businesses for the installation of 
qualified security devices.
  According to the FBI's 1999 Uniform Crime Reports, in my hometown of 
New York City, there were over 40,000 burglaries and over 140,000 
larcenies of both personal and commercial property.
  Besides the high monetary costs burdened by our society by these 
crimes, there are the uncounted personal costs of recognizing a 
stranger came into your home, riffled through your stuff and stole your 
possessions.
  The need for his technology has already affected consumers and 
businesses. The need for hotels to switch to electronic access control 
locks to replace traditional key locks was done out of a necessity to 
protect the consumer and to protect the hotel industry for insurance 
purposes. In a similar fashion, discounted insurance rates would 
benefit the homeowner and the small business owner.
  We must do everything in our power to stop these criminals, and I 
view my bill as a solid preventive effort at accomplishing this goal.

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