[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 18 (Thursday, February 8, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E144]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF PROJECT EXILE: THE SAFE STREETS AND NEIGHBORHOODS ACT 
                                OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 8, 2001

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing Project Exile: The 
Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act, which passed the House 
overwhelmingly last year. In the last several years, many states, 
including Virginia, have dramatically reduced the level of gun crime in 
their communities by implementing programs that ensure mandatory prison 
time for criminals who use guns during the commission of a violent 
crime. This approach enforces the laws already on the books, and it 
ensures a minimum prison sentence of at least five years for convicted 
violators.
  In states and communities around the country where aggressive 
prosecution of gun crimes has been coupled with tough prison sentences, 
violent crime has decreased. This program is based upon the remarkably 
successful experience of the joint federal, state, and local effort in 
Richmond, Virginia, which witnessed an amazing 40% reduction in its 
homicide rate since their program's inception in 1997.
  Following this model, Project Exile provides $100 million in federal 
resources over five years as an incentive for states to implement such 
programs. It will also defray the costs associated with tougher 
enforcement against gun-toting criminals. Project Exile encourages the 
enforcement of existing laws and helps communities mobilize to get the 
word out on the street that gun violence won't be tolerated. The Act 
provides funds for strengthening the state criminal justice system in a 
variety of ways, such as: hiring and training more judges, prosecutors, 
and probation officers; increasing prison capacity; and, creating 
public awareness campaigns regarding tougher prison sentences for 
criminals who use guns. Project Exile gives local prosecutors, law 
enforcement agencies, and the courts the flexibility and the resources 
needed to get gun-wielding criminals out of our neighborhoods and off 
our streets.
  Mr. Speaker, I am hopeful this bill will move swiftly from our halls 
to the President's desk and become law. I urge my colleagues to support 
Project Exile: The Safe Streets and Neighborhoods Act.

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