[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1376-E1377]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        NOW IS THE TIME TO RENEW THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

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                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, we've had a busy agenda this 
week. But one important bill has been missing--the bill to reauthorize 
the Violence Against Women Act, or ``VAWA.'' The House should take it 
up without delay.
  VAWA is very important for Colorado. Through last year, our state 
received almost $15 million in VAWA grants. That money has helped 
assist victims of domestic violence, but it has also done much more.
  In fact, according to a letter from our Attorney General, Ken 
Salazar, and his colleagues

[[Page E1377]]

from other states, VAWA ``has enabled us to maximize the effectiveness 
of our state programs that have made a critical difference in the lives 
of women and children endangered by domestic violence, sexual assault, 
and stalking.'' The current authorization for VAWA expires this year. 
Because I know the importance of renewing and strengthening this vital 
measure, I have joined in cosponsoring H.R. 1248, the VAWA 
reauthorization bill. I was encouraged when the Judiciary Committee 
approved it for consideration by the full House. But that happened on 
June 27th--a full month ago--and still the bill has not reached the 
floor, even though many less important measures have been considered.
  I call on the leadership of both parties to bring the VAWA 
reauthorization bill to the floor without further delay. This is too 
important a matter to neglect.

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