Durbin Statement on the Gang Abatement and Prevention Act

Statement

United States Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement today, after the Judiciary Committee markup of The Gang Abatement and Prevention Act.

"This important anti-crime legislation will help cities throughout the nation crack down on street gangs. I'm a co-sponsor of this bill with Senator Feinstein and thank her for her efforts."

"This bill clamps down on gang violence by making it a federal crime to recruit new members and doubles the penalty if the recruit is a minor. Senator Feinstein's bill also creates new federal penalties for violent acts committed in relation to drug trafficking, gang interference with a witness and possession of a firearm by a person convicted of a gang-related misdemeanor."

"Criminalizing the recruitment of new members and increasing criminal penalties for the actions of street gangs is only part of this comprehensive bill. This bill also includes funding for gang prevention and intervention efforts, such-as after-school and mentoring programs, and for increased collaboration between communities and law enforcement."

"I will continue to work with my Senate colleagues pass this bill. Gang related crime has reached epidemic proportions in many communities across the county. It's time to combine prevention with penalties to put these gangs out of business."

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