Roby, Collins introduce legislation to effectively prosecute violent criminals

Statement

Reps. Martha Roby (R-Ala.) and Doug Collins (R-Ga.), Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, today introduced H.R. 3533, the Combat Violent Crime Act, to amend current U.S. Code to allow for more effective prosecution of individuals who commit violent crimes.

"I introduced this legislation last Congress, but it is even more timely today due to the Supreme Court's action this week to strike down part of a statute to more effectively prosecute dangerous criminals," said Roby. "I am pleased that Ranking Member Collins joined me in introducing this legislation to give law enforcement the authority they need to combat violent crime in our communities. Our nation's highest Court made it crystal clear that Congress should act on this, and that is exactly what we are doing with H.R. 3533."

"Earlier this week, the Supreme Court issued a decision invalidating part of a statute that protects people from dangerous criminals," said Collins. "In his opinion, Justice Gorsuch said it is Congress' responsibility to clarify the statute. I am pleased to partner with Representative Roby on legislation to improve the law so that we keep Americans safe and deal justly with violent criminals."

On June 24, 2019, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a portion of the U.S. criminal code related to crimes committed with firearms, ruling the existing statute as unconstitutionally vague. In his opinion, Justice Neil Gorsuch stated Congress could update and clarify this language. H.R. 3533 would accomplish that goal.

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