[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 60 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H2424]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1900
JUDGMENT DAY
(Mr. POE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1
minute.)
Mr. POE. Mr. Speaker, today, the Supreme Court declared that lethal
injection is a constitutional form of execution under the eighth
amendment. The unofficial moratorium on the death penalty across this
Nation is now over.
Two death row killers argued that lethal injection was cruel and
unusual punishment. I was present at the Supreme Court today when in a
7-2 opinion the Court rejected the challenges of these two outlaws.
They are both from Kentucky. One is Ralph Baze. He murdered a sheriff
and a deputy sheriff 16 years ago when they were trying to serve him a
warrant. Sixteen years later, Baze is still living while the two
officers' families wait for justice.
The other killer, Thomas Bowling, murdered Tina and Edward Early
outside their dry cleaning business 17 years ago. Bowling also shot the
Early's 2-year-old son, but he survived, although he is an orphan
today.
Baze and Bowling argued that there were risks of pain from lethal
injection. Of course neither one considered the pain that they
inflicted on their victims or their victims' families.
The Supreme Court rightfully decided that lethal injection is
constitutional. Baze and Bowling earned the punishment that the juries
imposed. Justice can be delayed no longer. It's time for both of these
killers to have their judgment day.
And that's just the way it is.
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