EXPLANATION: This bill would revise the $30.2 billion crime bill that was approved by Congress and President Clinton in 1994. This act would eliminate $4.5 billion of the funds for social programs and would send $1 billion of that money to grants for prison construction. Furthermore, the bill increase funding for Federal law enforcement, increases penalties for federal crimes, limit the number of death penalty appeals, and provide restitution to crime victims.

RELEVANT COMMITTEES: The Senate bill (S. 3), proposing changes to the 1994 crime bill, was referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

STATUS: On March 28, 1995, hearing were completed by the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

SPONSORS: Sen. Bob Dole (R-KS) and twelve other Senate cosponsors.

PRO: Supporters argue that the 1994 crime bill wasted its money on social programs that are ineffective. Instead, they say that the government should get tough on crime by building more prisons and making the law tougher on criminals.

CON: Opponents of the act argue that this bill will eliminate many of the useful provision contained in the 1994 crime bill. They say that the limit on death penalty appeals is cruel, if not illegal, and that many of the other legal reforms are misdirected.

WHAT'S NEXT: There has been little action on this bill possibly due to the Senate's preoccupation with such legislation as the terrorism bill.