[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 124 (Friday, September 21, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1695]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION ACT OF 2001

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Mr. 
Hoekstra, Mr. Greenwood, Mr. Roemer, Mr. Holt, and Mr. Scott for their 
hard work and willingness to work together to find a common ground on 
the Juvenile Justice Bill which includes an important crime study 
provision.
  The crime study provision, which I offered during subcommittee mark-
up, directs the National Institute of Justice to conduct a crime study 
on gun violence-related injuries and deaths by youth in schools and 
communities.
  This study focuses on the relationship between victims and violent 
youth; the criminal act and location; and details about the firearm 
used in the crime.
  The purpose of this provision is to examine this data and develop new 
ways to prevent violence in our schools.
  Today school violence is reported simply as an act of violence. There 
is not a focus on what kind of firearm was used; or if there was a 
relationship between the victim and the culprit.
  Let's be honest here, when kids are killing kids--we should be doing 
everything we can to prevent it. We should be figuring out the links 
between violent acts so we can put measures in place to stop them. A 
very real and easy way to prevent these tragedies is to see what is 
happening where and when.
  If we continue to turn a blind eye to violence in our schools we will 
never be able to put an end to their violence.
  Our children need and deserve to feel safe in their schools. Let's 
work together and give then back their schools.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this important provision as part of 
the Juvenile Justice bill and I urge all my colleagues to support the 
overall bill.

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