[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 63 (Friday, May 13, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E971]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    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 out future with secure, affordable, and reliable 
     energy:

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of 
H.R. 1279, ``The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 
2005.''
  Northern Virginia is home to large Central American and Asian 
populations. I believe these groups bring a diversity and work ethic 
that enhances and benefits our region. Our diversity is one of our 
strengths.
  Unfortunately, we have become increasingly aware of the gang element 
that sometimes attends these communities, and we are now fighting the 
spread of violent gang activity here in our neighborhoods.
  Accounts of machete attacks and other violent murders have awoken my 
constituents to the dangers gangs present to all communities in 
Northern Virginia. In fact, law enforcement officials say there is a 
gang presence in everv high school in Fairfax County. In the past, I 
have worked with my colleagues Frank Wolf and Jim Moran to direct 
federal resources for anti-gang activity to Northern Virginia. I have 
also traveled on numerous occasions to those Central American countries 
that serve as the breeding ground for MS-13 and other such gangs.
  The legislation we are voting on today addresses one aspect of gang 
control. As our neighbors in El Salvador have learned, you can make all 
the arrests you want, but if you don't have the ability to effectively 
prosecute you actually exacerbate the problem. This legislation will 
help ensure that we do not have the same issue here in the United 
States.
  The tough penalties set out by the bill will send a clear message 
that we intend to stop the menace of gang violence, and that those who 
challenge us will be dealt with harshly. We are also bolstering our 
commitment to law enforcement by providing them the resources they need 
to penetrate gangs and successfully put members behind bars.
  Of course, if we are to ultimately be successful and effectively stem 
the expansion of gang activity, we need to take a comprehensive look at 
all strategies including law enforcement, international engagement, 
educational programs, social services and prevention. Law enforcement 
is one key component; however, without adequate attention to these 
other aspects, we will have a great deal of difficulty eradicating this 
epidemic. '
  To that end, I plan to continue to work with my colleagues to provide 
adequate support for education and prevention efforts, outreach, and 
other proactive programs to deal with the problem at the source. In 
addition, as the chairman of the committee with jurisdiction over the 
Office of National Drug Control Policy, I intend to thoroughly 
investigate the tie between narcotrafficking and gang activity. I plan 
to travel again to both Colombia and EI Salvador this month as part of 
this effort.
  I also intend to meet with leaders of those countries to determine 
how the United States can better assist their efforts to stem the flow 
of gang members to the United States.
  I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to address 
this serious challenge, and I again want to thank my friend Randy 
Forbes for taking the lead on this critical aspect of our fight.

                          ____________________