Today, Congressman David Kustoff (R-TN) introduced the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to reinstate a tool for prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against violent, repeat offenders. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) have introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“Career criminals are a danger to our citizens and our communities,” said Congressman Kustoff. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will reinstate a critical tool that allows prosecutors to seek tougher penalties for violent career criminals. I appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Tom Cotton for their work on this important bill.”
Senator Blackburn added, “Violent, repeat offenders have no business being back on our streets. We’ve seen the heartbreaking consequences of rewarding repeat offenders with the freedom to victimize more law-abiding Americans. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would empower prosecutors to keep dangerous felons behind bars and prevent future tragedies.”
Senator Cotton stated, “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.”
The legislation is endorsed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.
“I am grateful for Congressman Kustoff and Senator Blackburn’s leadership on this important legislation that ensures serious federal time for dangerous criminals,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.
Patrick Yoes from the Fraternal Order of Police remarked, “This bill empowers law enforcement and the justice system to better protect the public—especially at a time when some of our nation’s cities are still struggling to bring down violent crime rates.”
Bill Johnson from the National Association of Police Organizations explained that Congress passed the original Armed Career Criminal Act in 1984 but it was essentially voided by a Supreme Court decision in 2015 due to part of its definition being unconstitutionally vague.
Eric Brown from NNOAC expressed strong support for this act as it provides necessary tools for law enforcement and prosecutors.
Background information reveals that under current laws individuals with three prior serious drug or violent felonies found with firearms face mandatory minimum penalties. The new act seeks clearer definitions and aims at empowering prosecutors further.
