|
In the News: TOM FEENEY Member of Congress 24th District, Florida Financial Services Committee Judiciary Committee Science Committee Congress of the United States House of Representatives Washington, DC 20515 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 27, 2003 Contact: Shannon Conklin 407-208-1106 HOUSE PASSES FEENEY AMENDMENT TO THE "CHILD ABDUCTION PREVENTION ACT" (Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Rep. Tom Feeney's amendment to H.R. 1104 passed the United States House of Representatives. Congressman Feeney's amendment places strict limitations on the downward departures of Federal Sentencing Guidelines which occurs when a Court lowers the sentence of a convicted person below the sentencing guidelines. Although the amendment was actively opposed by organizations such as the Criminal Defense Lawyers and American Civil Liberties Union, it passed the House with a vote of 357 to 58.
"Today the House expressed the need to protect our children from child abductors and pornography offenders," said Feeney. "This amendment sets an appropriate and meaningful appellate standard that will prevent child offenders from receiving a sentence that does not justify crimes committed against our most fragile citizens."
The Department of Justice has testified that downward departures have increased dramatically, particularly in relation to child pornography cases. This widespread escalation caused the Justice Department to suggest a complete ban on downward departures for child pornography cases.
-END-
|