U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Tom Cotton, along with U.S. Representative David Kustoff, have introduced the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act. This legislation aims to provide prosecutors with a tool to impose enhanced penalties on violent repeat offenders.
“Violent, repeat offenders have no business being back on our streets,” said Senator Blackburn. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would empower prosecutors to keep dangerous felons behind bars and prevent future tragedies.”
Senator Cotton emphasized the need for such measures, stating, “Violent, repeat criminals should be behind bars, not roaming the streets threatening law-abiding citizens.”
Representative Kustoff highlighted the danger posed by career criminals: “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will reinstate a critical tool that allows prosecutors to seek tougher penalties for violent career criminals.”
The original Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) of 1984 mandated a minimum 15-year sentence for felons with three prior convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses. However, in 2015, the Supreme Court deemed part of this act unconstitutionally vague.
This new bill seeks to address these issues by redefining offenses under a single category of “serious felony,” which is based solely on potential imprisonment terms of 10 years or more.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti supports this initiative: “Career criminals with guns put our communities at risk. This legislation restores prosecutors’ ability to seek appropriate enhanced penalties for dangerous repeat offenders while ensuring the law meets constitutional standards.”
Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor also expressed support: “Senator Blackburn’s partnership ensures we’ll Make Memphis Safe Again.”
The Fraternal Order of Police National President Patrick Yoes endorsed the bill: “This bill empowers law enforcement and the justice system to better protect the public.”
Bill Johnson from the National Association of Police Organizations stated: “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will fix and restore the Act, giving law enforcement and prosecutors back a significant resource in the fight against violent crime.”
Eric Brown from the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition remarked: “By clearly defining serious felonies, the bill strengthens our ability to focus federal resources where they’re most needed.”
