Date: 1994-08-09
Speaker: EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I. too. rise on behalf of the crime bill. It is clear to me that probably not a single person is pleased with every element of the crime bill. I am probably just as displeased as many others. We do extend the death penalty. and we do not have the racial justice provision. in the bill. But. Mr. Speaker. we do have prevention. The majority of the people in this country want to see criminals off the street. They want to see crime stopped. I want the same thing. I would like to see more fairness in the criminal justice system. But I do not believe that we are going to get it stated in this bill. I believe it is a challenge to continue to work. but I do believe that when we approach crime. we have three things to do: We have to prevent. we have to do something with the persons who break the law. and we have to rehabilitate. 0 i120 This bill does all three things. That is the reason why I am going to support this bill. I am supporting this bill because I am not here representing my emotions. I am here representing almost 600.000 people in District 30. Texas. They want to see a crime bill passed. For that reason. I am going to support the crime bill. I am going to vote for the rule and I am going to vote for the bill. not because I think it is perfect. not because it has directed any court to be any more fair. but when we look at Federal versus State. many of the -problems of unfairness come more with State law than with Federal law. It is a challenge to keep working. Mr. Speaker. but it is not time at this point to stop. We must respond to the people. and we must pass this bill. Another area that requires a great deal of attention. Mr. Speaker. for my entire career in politics. which spans over 20 years. I have stood up and I have spoken out for human rights. I continue to do that. but I do believe at this time it is appropriate for the country of China to separate that issue and trade. In many instances. it has not been separated. All the circumstances have been different. Many will talk about South Africa. South Africa stood and cried out to the world. with 75 to 90 percent of the people crying out to the world to stop trade. The entire would responded. No one in China is- crying out. saying "Stop trade." One of the ways to make human rights better in China is to be sure that people have a way to make a living. to become Independent. and to get in a position to have more ownership. Mr. Speaker. I believe that the President is right. I believe that we can put provisions. negotiate them. look at the past cultulres. and decide that yes. we - will not compromise human rights. but we must look at trade. Human rights must continue to be a vital consideration as America forms its policy toward China. as well as. the policy toward other areas in the world. We must be consistent. However. Mr. Speaker. the United States must pursue policies which are specific to each of the issues which affect our relationship to China. in order to achieve positive results. When a president of a couniry looks you straight in the eye and says "How can you judge me? What are you doing." how do we answer? The continuation of Chinas mostfavorednation status is a necessary part of Americas policy toward China. We must recognize that China will not be bullied. and an open and constructive approach is required to cultivate the relationship and advance American interests. Whethe those interests lie in trade or human rights. we must look at those separate issues in every part of the world. as well as our own country.