Mr. Speaker. we have those in our Nation who see this as an opportunity to prey upon these individuals and groups who are coming to visit with us. and. as a member of the tourism caucus. I want to indicate that we will shortly be bringing forward a bill to make it a Federal crime to attack a foreign tourist. someone who is here on a visa. a visitors visa. someone who is coming to the United States in order to enjoy the benefits of recreation and tourism. the kinds of things. the visit. that we would like to extend to all vlsitors. We think that we will be able to put together a bill that will in general involve an opportunity for local jurisdictions. and particularly law enforcement officers in local jurisdictions. to have the opportunity to work with the State Department. to work with the United States Travel and Tourism Agency. to work with the Department of Justice. to see to it that. if there is a question of bringing witnesses before grand juries or for trial. if there is a question of taking depositions. perhaps in foreign nations. there is a question of working with other embassies. our own embassies and consulates overseas. if there is a question of interstate travel. there is a question of utilizing the auspices of the FBI and other agencies equipped to work with local law enforcement jurisdictions. that we will be able to see to it that witnesses are able to appear. that victims are able to be compensated. that victims will be able to participate in successful prosecutions. I am sorry to say that some criminal elements in our country recognize that there is a weakness in our existing jurisprudence system that allows them to take advantage.
Identified stereotypes
Criminal elements prey on tourists due to weaknesses in the legal system.