[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 124 (Friday, October 6, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 STATEMENT ON H.R. 2559, THE FY 2001 TRANSPORTATION APPROPRIATIONS ACT 
(CONFERENCE REPORT), H.R. 3244, THE TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT 
         CONFERENCE REPORT, AND THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES M. TALENT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2000

  Mr. TALENT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the 
Transportation Appropriations conference report, the Trafficking 
Victims Protection Act conference report, and the Violence Against 
Women Act, which was included in that bill.
  As many people in my home state of Missouri know all too well, our 
infrastructure is crumbling. In fact, Mr. Speaker, we have the 6th 
worst roads and bridges in the country. That is why I am so pleased 
that this conference report passed the House today, and even more 
pleased that it contained more than $70 million in discretionary funds 
to directly address the tremendous needs in our state. I want to thank 
Subcommittee Chairman Wolf and Ranking Member Sabo for taking such 
great steps to address our infrastructure needs. And I also want to 
give special thanks to Congresswoman JoAnn Emerson for working so 
tirelessly to bring to the attention of the Members of the Committee 
Missouri's dire road situation. She has been a wonderful advocate on 
the Committee and I greatly appreciate her efforts.
  Mr. Speaker, I would also like to express my support for the 
Trafficking Victims Protection Act conference report and the Violence 
Against Women Act, which was included in that bill. More than a million 
women and children are trafficked around the world for sex and other 
exploitative purposes every year--50,000 of which end up right here in 
the United States. This bill includes several measures which will 
strengthen current law to cut down on the unlawful buying and selling 
of human beings for profit. I'm very pleased that the house was able to 
come together to address this fundamental issue of human rights.
  Finally, I want to give my warmest thanks to all of those who have so 
strongly supported re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, 
which I cosponsor. In my home state of Missouri, one out of every two 
women who seek a domestic violence shelter are turned away at the door 
because there simply is not enough room. These women are turned away 
from shelter with no option but to go back to their abuser. Mr. 
Speaker, this is a tragedy. In terms of legislation that affects real 
people's lives, I can think of none which is more important. Passage of 
this bill ensures that women will continue to have access to the 
important basic services, which have helped so many escape their 
situations. Continued authorization of this program says to women in 
America that there is a better tomorrow and that we are dedicated to 
helping you find it.
  I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, that these two important pieces of 
legislation passed overwhelmingly here today.

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