[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 81 (Friday, June 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1269]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      H.R. 1279, THE GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT

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                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 17, 2005

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my 
disappointment with H.R. 1279, the Gang Deterrence and Community 
Protection Act.
  The Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act will neither deter 
youth from entering gangs nor add protections to our community. This 
legislation increases the use of the death penalty, creates new 
mandatory minimum sentences, and subjects more juveniles to trial as 
adults. I believe strongly that criminals must be punished and that we 
need to do more to deter our youth from entering gangs. However, 
research shows that these measures do not have their intended effect of 
reducing crime, have been misapplied based on race, are not the 
assistance requested by law enforcement, and do not address the reasons 
given by youth for their participation in gangs. In fact, this bill 
does nothing to address the real problems facing our youth or the needs 
of local law enforcement working with youth on a daily basis.
  This year, in order to make room for tax cuts for the wealthy, the 
President and House Republicans have chosen to cut the very programs 
that provide hope and opportunity for youth. In his Fiscal Year 2006 
budget, the President proposed eliminating funding for Safe and Drug 
Free Schools and freezing funding for after school programs. He also 
proposed eliminating funding for TRIO programs, which offer the 
opportunity for disadvantaged students to access higher education and 
for many job training programs currently serving youth in our 
communities.
  Republicans have also chosen to cut funding for local law enforcement 
by eliminating funding for the COPS program and Byrne grant dollars 
which are vital to ensuring our peace officers have the training and 
manpower they need to keep our communities safe. In addition, 
Republican Leadership has failed to keep promises to fund juvenile 
justice programs that promote prevention and early intervention.
  Investments in our youth and in local law enforcement will reduce 
crime and improve the safety of our neighborhoods. Law enforcement 
needs adequate equipment, training, and personnel. In order to succeed, 
children need recreational opportunities, a quality education, and role 
models to provide a positive example. Families need to have safe 
housing, access to health care, and the opportunities for good-paying 
jobs. Our priority should be investing in families--not prisons. For 
these reasons, I opposed H.R. 1279.

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