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Mel Martinez on Crime
Republican Jr Senator (FL); previously Secretary of H.U.D.
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I support the death penalty
I support the death penalty. I support additional criminal penalties if a fetus is killed in the commission of a federal crime against a pregnant woman. I support the reform of our legal system including
caps to non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases, reform of class action lawsuits and asbestos litigation reform. I support a “loser pay” system, which will reduce frivolous lawsuits.
Source: 2004 Congressional National Political Awareness Test
, Oct 14, 2004
End illegal Internet gambling and pornography
Martinez will end abuses of the Internet that expose children and families to illegal gambling and pornography.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, MelforSenate.org, “Issues”
, Jul 2, 2004
Crack down criminals who prey on senior citizens
Martinez will: keep America’s promise to Florida’s seniors by preserving the current system for those who have worked and invested in the system; support efforts to crack down on criminals who prey on senior citizens
through fraud and other illegal activities; and work to improve the quality and affordability of long term care options available to older Americans and their families.
Source: 2004 Senate campaign website, MelforSenate.org, “Issues”
, Jul 2, 2004
Close loopholes on Officer Next Door program
Martinez sent a message about the direction of management of HUD by immediately suspending the Officer Next Door and Teacher Next Door Program [which pays for half the house price in designated “revitalization” areas for police officers and teachers]
after discovering loopholes which could lead to fraud. Martinez suspended the program and ordered a comprehensive review. “People will easily be able to see a smarter, more responsive, effective housing agency,” said Martinez.
Source: Press Release
, Apr 27, 2001
Voted NO on reinstating $1.15 billion funding for the COPS Program.
Amendment would increase funding for the COPS Program to $1.15 billion for FY 2008 to provide state and local law enforcement with critical resources. The funding is offset by an unallocated reduction to non-defense discretionary spending.Proponents recommend voting YES because:
This amendment reinstates the COPS Program. I remind everyone, when the COPS Program was functioning, violent crime in America reduced 8.5% a year for 7 years in a row. Throughout the 1990s, we funded the COPS Program at roughly $1.2 billion, and it drove down crime. Now crime is rising again. The COPS Program in the crime bill worked, and the Government Accounting Office found a statistical link between the COPS grants and a reduction in crime.
The Brookings Institution reported the COPS Program is one of the most cost-effective programs we have ever had in this country. Local officials urgently need this support.
Opponents recommend voting NO because:
The COPS Program has some history. It was started by President Clinton. He asked for 100,000 police officers. He said that when we got to 100,000, the program would stop. We got to 110,000 police officers and the program continues on and on and on.
This program should have ended 5 years ago or 6 years ago, but it continues. It is similar to so many Federal programs that get constituencies that go on well past what their original purpose was. It may be well intentioned, but we cannot afford it and we shouldn't continue it. It was never thought it would be continued this long.
Reference: Biden Amendment;
Bill S.Amdt.529 on S.Con.Res.21
; vote number 2007-110
on Mar 23, 2007
Page last updated: Sep 29, 2018