Omnibus Crime Bill Debate

In an excerpt from the U.S. House of Representatives, members took up the rule to allow for the consideration of H.R. 3371, the Omnibus Crime Control Act. The rule allows for 48 specific amendments to the comprehensive crime bill. Among the amendments is one offered by Congressman Henry Hyde, Republican of Illinois. His amendment would place more limits on the ability of prisoners to file habeas corpus appeals in federal court. Habeas corpus writs are used to ensure that a prisoner is given due process of law and not illegally imprisoned. Supporters of the Hyde amendment objected to the rule because it would allow the amendment to be divided into several parts to be voted on separately. This is a so-called “king of the hill” procedure where the last amendment adopted prevails. The House adopted the rule to allow consideration of the crime bill. Lawmakers went on to general debate on the bill and began work on the 48 amendments to the crime package. close