Unanimous Senate Passes Measure Toughening Penalties For Church Fires

Responding to an epidemic of fires at black Southern churches, the Senate unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to stiffen penalties for arson at places of worship and expand federal authority to investigate.

The 98-0 vote sent the measure to the House, where GOP aides said it was likely to be passed today and sent to President Clinton for his signature.

“If we in Congress can’t agree that church burning is a despicable crime what in the world can we agree on,” said Sen. Lauch Faircloth, R-North Carolina, a strong conservative who teamed with the Senate’s most prominent liberal, Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, in sponsoring the measure.

“We must send the strongest possible signal that Congress intends to act swiftly,” agreed Kennedy.

The legislation would double the maximum prison term for church arson to 20 years and extend the statute of limitations from five to seven years. It also gives the federal government broader authority to investigate suspected arson.

In addition, the measure envisions additional funding for federal law enforcement agencies, designed to help them train local and state authorities in investigating suspected arson at churches.

The measure also authorizes $10 million in federal loan guarantees for reconstruction of arson-gutted, under-insured churches.

The Senate acted as Clinton held a prayer breakfast with 47 religious leaders.

Clinton announced an arson-prevention initiative by the Federal Emergency Management Agency “to protect houses of worship and prevent future fires.” Up to $45 million in public funding has been allocated for the plan called the National Arson Prevention Initiative.

Under the initiative, a toll-free telephone number - 1-888-603-3100 - has been established for information on arson prevention, training and technical assistance available from private and public sources.

At a White House meeting with southern governors last week, Clinton said he sees no evidence of a single national conspiracy in the burnings, but he said most have been “racially motivated.”