Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joined Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Representative David Kustoff (R-TN-08) in re-introducing the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act of 2021.
“The practice of releasing violent serial criminals has to end. Repeat offenders should not be rewarded with the freedom to needlessly victimize more law-abiding Americans,” Blackburn said in a statement released by her office.
The legislation would allow prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against violent, repeat offenders.
“Our local law enforcement officers work around the clock to keep our citizens and communities safe. The least we can do to support them is ensure that fewer violent criminals are released back on the streets. As we recognize this week as National Police Week, I am honored to re-introduce this commonsense measure. I look forward to passing this bill to not only protect the American people, but to help our brave men and women in law enforcement,” Rep. Kustoff added.
This piece of legislation would amend the current Armed Career Criminal Act by altering specific language within the text of the bill. The need for this new bill comes in response to the Supreme Court striking a section of the original law in 2015 because it was “unconstitutionally vague.” The original act was passed unanimously in the House and Senate previously.
The consequences of the Supreme Court decision has allowed some violent offenders to be released early. This legislation closes the loophole, allowing prosecutors to seek stricter punishments for these repeat offenders.
“Violent, repeat criminals should be behind bars, not roaming the streets threatening law-abiding citizens. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will give back federal prosecutors the tool they need to lock up hardened, repeat offenders,” Senator Cotton said.
The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act of 2021 has been endorsed by the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Police Organizations.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Marsha Blackburn” by Gage Skidmore CC 2.0.
Maybe Blackburn should find something productive to do with her time. Another bill that will go no where is about all she knows how to do other than working hard to get her mug on national TV.
Shocker, yet another USELESS bill put forward by esteemed coward Marsha Blackburn. She’s been great at delivering safe talking points, but not putting anything forward that has a snowballs chance in hell of passing. Maybe she can partner with Stacey Abrams and pen some saucy romance novels. #VotetheBumsOut