Bill Would Federalize Some Gang Crimes

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In response to a series of brutal gang attacks in his district, a North Virginia Congressman has introduced legislation to bring gang-related crimes under federal jurisdiction.

The Gangbuster Bill by Rep. J. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) was approved 279-144 in the House in May. It allows some gang crimes to be tried in federal court, imposes minimum sentences--ranging from 10 years to life--on individuals convicted of specific gang-related crimes, allows the death penalty for gang murders and permits more 16- and 17-year-old gang members to be tried as adults.

It also authorizes $388 million over five years for law enforcement efforts to break up violent gangs and creates a …