[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 86 (Thursday, June 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                           TRAGEDY IN AMERICA

                                 ______


                             HON. JACK REED

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 30, 1994

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss one of the greatest 
tragedies seen everyday in America: violence against women and their 
children by someone whom they love and trust. Even more tragic is the 
fact that it has taken the murder of a national figure to draw 
attention to this epidemic.
  During 1993, five women were murdered by their respective husbands or 
companions in my State of Rhode Island. In one case, the couple's 
daughter was also killed before the husband killed himself. In order 
that these crimes are not soon forgotten, I would like to submit their 
names for the record: Marie, age 30; Pamela, age 42; Tiffany, age 14; 
John, age 48; and Michele, age 28.
  Each and every act of violence against a woman is one too many. We, 
as the national lawmakers of this country, must protect our citizens, 
including women who are becoming victims at an all too frequent rate.
  This is just one reason why I have stood as an original cosponsor of 
the Violence Against Women Act. I challenge my colleagues who are 
conferees on the crime bill to take a stand for women by including the 
Violence Against Women Act at its full funding level in the conference 
report. Putting an end to these violent crimes is something we must all 
claim responsibility for.

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