[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 62 (Thursday, May 12, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E953]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E953]]
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1279, GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY 
                         PROTECTION ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 11, 2005

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 6) to ensure 
     jobs for our future with secure, affordable, and reliable 
     energy:

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Chairman, I strongly believe that the United 
States should be doing more to reduce violent crimes, whether they are 
committed by gangs or individuals. I voted against the ``Gang 
Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005'' because it fails to 
address this problem and impairs our judicial system. H.R. 1279 
increases penalties for non-violent crimes, while imposing mandatory 
minimum sentences and expanding the death penalty. These provisions do 
nothing to detour gang violence and limit judge's ability to impose 
sentences that fit the offense. Furthermore, the bill does not include 
early intervention programs or other preventative programs that could 
be successful in reducing gang violence. I am hopeful that Congress 
will work to pass legislation that addresses the core issues behind 
this serious problem.

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