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Senate Republicans introduced an extensive package to clarify, strengthen and consolidate violent crime laws. This included bank robbery and homicide as well as kidnapping, kidnapping, and carjacking.
Led in part by Senator Charles Grassley, Iowa, who is the ranking member on the Judiciary Committee. 23 Republican lawmakers from the upper chamber introduced the Combating Violent and Dangerous Crime Act.
The bill clarifies Congress’ intent about crimes of violence, and the respective penalties. It also resolves conflicting court rulings.
The legislation is supported and promoted by several law enforcement agencies, such as the National District Attorneys Association and the National Association of Assistant U.S. Attorneys. The Major County Sheriffs of America and Major Cities Chiefs Association are all attorneys.
Among other provisions, this bill clarifies the fact that bank robbery attempts and conspiracies are criminalized under the current statute on bank robbery.
It abolishes an old rule that prohibits perpetrators violent crimes from being charged for murder when the victim is unable to fight back due to the injuries suffered 366 within a few days.
The bill corrects conflicting court decisions, which have led to a greater burden for criminal offenses such as assaulting police officers than Congress intended.
The proposed legislation raises the maximum statutory penalty for carjacking, and eliminates the requirement of duplicative intention to be charged with a carjacking crime.
The bill clarifies that an attempt to or conspiracy for an offense involving the use of physical force is a crime against violence and rectifies any conflicting court rulings.
It also bans marketing candy-flavored drugs for minors.
No Democratic senators agreed to sponsor the legislation.
” Crime is on the rise in all parts of the country. There are many crimes, including homicides and carjackings. “We have a responsibility to make sure that federal penalties serve as a deterrent, and that split court rulings are rectified so perpetrators may be held responsible,” said Mr. Grassley in a statement.
” This bill contains a few small changes that will make a big difference in improving justice and prevent future crime. We don’t have the bipartisan support we need to move these small but important reforms. American communities suffer under the scourge lawlessness. I hope that we can get some cooperation soon. I will continue to reach across the aisle for it
While Chuck Schumer (New York Democrat Majority Leader) is not likely to let the bill come to the Senate Floor for a vote on its merits, there has been increased pressure from swing-state Democrats to be more tough on issues of law and order this fall.
Murder rate rose 30% , and has continued to climb 2021,. Carjackings are on the rise, especially in urban areas. Some cities have even seen 400% spikes.
Overdose deaths surpassed 100,000 last year, with fentanyl appearing in various substances, including candy-flavored drugs targeted at children. 2021 was the most deadly year for law enforcement ever since the September 11 attack in 2001..
