Providing for Consideration of H.R. 1279, Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1279, GANG DETERRENCE AND COMMUNITY PROTECTION ACT OF 2005 -- (House of Representatives - May 11, 2005)
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Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, as the Congressman said, I have 33 years of law enforcement experience. In fact, up until January 3 of this year, I was a cop. One of the things I know about cops is that they need all kinds of tools, and we do need police officers on the street; but one of the most important things that cops want is to know that their community supports them, local, State, and Federal.
Mr. Speaker, we are here today to talk about a very serious problem. Across the country we are seeing a resurgence of organized crime sprawling into our towns and our neighborhoods. Gangs are becoming a magnet for youth, as they long to belong to something. This is hardly the team we want our children to join.
Gang violence in America is not a sudden problem. It has been a part of urban life for years, offering an aggressive definition and identity to those seeking a place to belong in the chaos of a large metropolitan area. However, as gangs gain momentum and invade smaller communities, it is time to take a more serious and focused approach. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Forbes) addresses this critical problem today in the Gang Deterrence and Community Protection Act of 2005.
Prior to being elected to sheriff, as I said, I served 33 years as a cop. I have worked with prostitutes, drug dealers, and gang bangers for that length of time. My colleagues in the sheriff's office and I actively fought to curb the growth and influence of gangs. I know not only in my home State of Washington but across the country, law enforcement officers recognize gangs for the serious threat they are to our community.
I believe in taking problems head on, not running away. You evaluate the facts, you make a decision, and then you see the solution through. We have recognized the consequence of letting this situation go forward for far too long. It is dangerous to all Americans. Whether a gang currently has a presence in our hometowns or not, we need to take a careful look at where this issue is headed and stop the influence of gangs before it spirals out of control and out of our hands.
The United States Department of Justice cites that there are currently 25,000 active gangs in 3,000 jurisdictions across this country; 25,000 gangs. That equals 750,000 gang members. If growth continues, we could be looking at 1 million gang members across the country in only a few years. These groups are a funnel to criminal activities, allowing a central point to encourage violence and a family that preaches drug trafficking, murder, theft, prostitution, and rape. In fact, street gangs are the primary distributor of illegal drugs in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, I am a man of faith who believes deeply in family and responsibility. Our obligation is to American families and communities. We need to look out for their futures. We need to direct our youth towards a path of success and progress as productive members of society looking towards a better country. We cannot afford to lose those talented youths in our community to a life on the street with drugs and a gang hierarchy whose form of discipline is violence.
Mr. Speaker, I applaud the gentleman from Virginia's efforts to deter gangs across the country and urge my colleagues to support the rule and vote for final passage later today.
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