[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1689]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1900, the 
Juvenile Crime Control and Delinquency Prevention Act of 2001 which 
amends current juvenile crime policy and provides quality prevention 
and accountability programs relating to juvenile delinquency.
  Regrettably, juvenile crime is a growing problem in our country. 
Today's teenagers account for the largest portion of all violent 
crimes; offenders under the age of 18 commit more than one-fifth of all 
violent crime. Furthermore, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) 
estimates that murders committed by juveniles will increase by 145%, 
forcible rapes by 66%, and aggravated assaults by 129% by the year 2010 
as the number of juveniles increases dramatically.
  In the wake of the rash of school shootings which our nation has 
endured over the past few years, I believe it is more important than 
ever to protect our children and communities from violence. 
Accordingly, H.R. 1900 will expand existing after-school programs for 
at-risk youngsters as well as providing innovative treatment for 
juvenile offenders.
  H.R. 1900 will also fund programs related to the organization and 
maintenance of school violence hotlines and programs designed to reduce 
the unlawful acquisition and illegal use of guns by juveniles. This 
program directs much-needed resources to a social issue in which all 
Americans have a stake. Our children are the future of this country. 
Let us give them the tools and guidance to resist criminal activity and 
to improve their lives. Accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support 
H.R. 1900.

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