[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 30, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H10099-H10101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           SUPPORTING A REMEMBRANCE DAY FOR HOMICIDE VICTIMS

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 757) supporting the goals and ideals of a National 
Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 757

       Whereas homicide is a devastating epidemic in this Nation, 
     destroying families and communities;
       Whereas women are disproportionately victims of homicide 
     perpetrated by intimate partners;
       Whereas intimate partner homicide is the leading cause of 
     death for African-American women ages 15-45;
       Whereas, on average, 3 women per day are murdered by their 
     current or former husbands or partners and the Centers for 
     Disease Control and Prevention finds that women experience 
     2,000,000 injuries from intimate partner violence each year;
       Whereas according to the Centers for Disease Control and 
     Prevention, the cost of intimate partner violence exceeded 
     $5,800,000,000 in 2003;
       Whereas, for the years 1976 to 2005 combined, among all 
     homicide victims, females were particularly at risk for 
     intimate killings and sex-related homicides, with 64.8 
     percent of all female homicide victims during that time being 
     murdered by an intimate partner;
       Whereas one-third of all murdered females are victims of 
     intimate partner homicide annually, with separated females 
     having the highest homicide rate;
       Whereas intimate partner violence resulted in 1,544 deaths 
     in 2004, and of those deaths, 25 percent were males and 75 
     percent were females;
       Whereas the time that a victim of domestic violence leaves 
     a violent situation is the most dangerous time for a victim 
     and increases his or her likelihood of becoming a victim of 
     homicide;
       Whereas homicide is the second leading cause of traumatic 
     death for pregnant women and recently pregnant women, 
     accounting for nearly 31 percent of maternal injury deaths;
       Whereas numerous agencies across this country provide 
     support to the families of homicide victims and the tireless 
     work of agency staff and volunteers is worthy of 
     acknowledgment; and
       Whereas victims of domestic violence-related homicides 
     should be remembered during the National Day of Remembrance 
     for Homicide Victims to honor their memories: Now, therefore, 
     be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of a National Day of 
     Remembrance for Homicide Victims; and
       (2) acknowledges the epidemic of intimate partner homicide 
     in this Nation, its disproportionate impact on women, and the 
     work of agencies across this country to address this epidemic 
     and provide support and resources to all survivors of victims 
     of homicide, including the families of intimate partner 
     homicide.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Schiff) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include 
extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCHIFF. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this resolution expresses support for the goals and 
ideals of a National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.
  On Friday, September 25, 2009, the third annual observance of the 
National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims was held in 
Washington, D.C., and across the country. This year's observance was 
organized by the National Organization of Parents of Murdered Children, 
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource 
Center.
  Every year, families lose loved ones to senseless acts of violence. 
Along with their loved ones, these families lose hopes and dreams for 
the future. Not only are mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers 
affected by the sudden loss of a family member, the lives of friends, 
coworkers, and neighbors can also be changed forever.
  In 2008 alone, over 14,000 individuals lost their lives as a result 
of violent homicide. Over half of these murder victims were killed by 
acquaintances, such as a neighbor, friend, or boyfriend.
  After the initial shock, as friends and neighbors resume their daily 
lives, family members are left to deal with their grief and loss and 
become overwhelmed with picking up the pieces of their lives.
  The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims acknowledges the 
long-term trauma families and friends experience after a loved one is 
murdered and focuses on the importance of providing support, guidance, 
and counseling to survivors of homicide.
  While families deal with their grief, they're also confronted with 
trying to find some sense of justice through the criminal justice 
system. The complexities and delays in resolving a criminal case 
frequently add to their feelings of anger and resentment.
  The National Day of Remembrance sends a powerful message to these 
families and friends alike that we as a Nation remember their loss, 
honor their courage, and are committed to helping them move on with 
their lives.
  The National Day of Remembrance reminds us that murder impacts each 
and every one of us and every community across the country. This day 
also reminds us to rededicate ourselves to working to prevent the 
violence that destroys lives and devastates families.
  I'd like to thank the lead cosponsors of this resolution, Donna 
Edwards of Maryland and Ted Poe of Texas, for their leadership in 
making sure that last week's National Day of Remembrance is honored by 
Congress.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 757 honors a National Day of 
Remembrance for Homicide Victims. Sadly, thousands of lives are lost 
due to homicide every year in our Nation. Surviving parents, spouses, 
family, and friends courageously rebuild their lives while searching 
for answers and closure for the tragic death of someone they cared 
about.
  I want to commend my friend, the gentlelady from Maryland, Donna 
Edwards, for introducing this resolution. She has a long-time history 
of working with victims and victims' families, even before she came to 
our institution, the House of Representatives.
  This National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims honors the 
lives of those who are lost to murder. It also commits communities, 
agencies, and other groups towards the goal of rebuilding the 
survivors' lives and preventing these tragedies in the future.
  Since 2000, more than 114,000 Americans have been murdered in our 
Nation. It is important we remind survivors, family survivors, that we 
have not forgotten their loved ones and that they are not alone.
  The broad bipartisan support for this day of remembrance demonstrates 
that we are united in our commitment to comfort sufferers and prevent 
the violence that leads to these tragedies.
  This resolution also brings attention to the disturbing issue of 
spousal or partner abuse in homicides. On average, three women per day 
are murdered by their current or former husbands. From 1976 to 2005, 
more than 64 percent of female homicide victims in the United States 
were murdered by an intimate partner.
  According to the National Institute of Justice, intimate partner 
homicide has declined significantly in the past 25 years. The NIJ 
cautions, however, that although these declines are truly significant, 
the statistics may mask the

[[Page H10100]]

important fact that women are substantially more likely than men to be 
murdered by intimate partners.
  Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Day of Remembrance 
strengthens the resolve of agencies, communities, and families and 
people in our country against homicides in our Nation.
  I urge all my colleagues to support this resolution.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHIFF. At this time, I'm happy to yield as much time as she may 
consume to the gentlewoman from Maryland, Donna Edwards, the lead 
sponsor of the bill.
  Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I would 
like to thank also my dear friend and colleague Chairman John Conyers 
for bringing this important resolution to the floor.
  House Resolution 757, a National Day of Remembrance for Homicide 
Victims, recognizes the loss and the courage of homicide victims across 
this country, not just in 1 year but for the many years in which 
families, community members, take the time to rebuild their lives.
  I'd also like to thank my colleague Ted Poe of Texas for taking the 
lead with me in making this resolution truly bipartisan in nature 
because, as we know, the question of homicide is not one that is 
partisan.
  This resolution is about honoring those lives that have been lost to 
homicide. I particularly want to focus on the women and children who 
have lost their lives to intimate partner homicide in our country.
  In my State of Maryland, at least 48 women and children lost their 
lives to intimate partner homicide in the period from July 2007 to July 
2008. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 
estimate that three women per day are murdered by their current or 
former partner, boyfriend, or spouse.
  Statistically, the most dangerous time for a victim of domestic 
violence is when she attempts to leave a violent relationship. From 
working firsthand with victims of domestic violence in shelters, in 
service programs, and as cofounder and executive director of the 
National Network to End Domestic Violence, I know the statistic is 
true, and it's more than a statistic. It's reality for so many women 
and children.
  So when people ask why doesn't she just leave, those of us who have 
done this work for a long time know exactly why, and it's because of 
the risk of death, not an imagined fear but a true risk.
  Intimate partner violence is the second leading cause of traumatic 
death for pregnant women. The impact of witnessing domestic violence, 
especially the homicide of a parent, is devastating for children.
  It is my hope that this resolution will begin a dialogue about 
intimate partner violence and progress to discussing and devising 
solutions to address this epidemic. Intimate partner violence is 
something that impacts all our communities, and I know there have been 
several cases of such violence where I live, and I am sure that's the 
case for every congressional district across this Nation.
  This year, in my congressional district, a woman was shot, 
tragically, to death outside of her church in Silver Spring as she was 
going inside to worship on Sunday and other worshippers were gathered 
for the service.
  In March 2003, Ernestine Bunn-Dyson, age 32, was shot to death in my 
hometown of Oxon Hill by her estranged husband less than 24 hours after 
he promised in court to leave her alone. Her sister is working hard to 
bring more attention to this epidemic so more people don't have to 
suffer and more sisters don't have to be victims.
  It's so easy for people to think that intimate partner homicide is 
something that happens to someone else, someone who looks different, 
someone who has a different educational background, or someone who just 
fell in with the wrong person. But a victim of domestic violence and 
intimate partner violence and homicide can be anyone's sister, mother, 
aunt, friend, coworker, and of course, the other thousands of victims 
of homicide.
  Our own Lieutenant Governor in Maryland, Anthony Brown, lost his 
cousin, Cathy Brown, to intimate partner violence just this past last 
summer. His cousin was shot and killed in her home by her abuser. 
Lieutenant Governor Brown has worked in Maryland along with Governor 
Martin O'Malley to make sure that our State laws were changed to 
prevent this kind of violent homicide.
  So many survivors and their families in this country have turned 
their tragedy and pain to healing and advocacy. Our own Lieutenant 
Governor is an example of such tireless and selfless advocacy.
  I ask all of us to take the time today to reach out to someone who 
may be in a violent situation and lend your support and friendship. It 
could save their lives. I also ask that we take this day to remember 
all victims of homicide, all victims of intimate partner homicide, and 
we must do what we can to stop this pattern at a young age. If other 
forms of abusive violence are included, from being threatened or 
emotionally abused, our young children suffer as well. We must be more 
aggressive in addressing the problem of violence so that it doesn't 
turn to homicide.

                              {time}  1300

  I'd like to thank all of our cosponsors, and I'd like to say that, 
Mr. Speaker, it's time for us to recognize the tragic cost of homicide 
to all of our families, and for this Congress and this Nation to turn 
our attention to their support.
  I'd like to recognize the many organizations who have supported this 
resolution, including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 
the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence, the National 
Partnership for Women and Families, Legal Momentum, the Family Violence 
Prevention Fund, and our own local Anti-Violence Organization.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how many speakers my colleague 
from Texas has remaining.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I am prepared to close. There are no other 
speakers.
  Mr. SCHIFF. I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. POE of Texas. I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is, 
Mr. Speaker, a very important recognition that we do, as an 
organization, as a body, to recognize the fact that throughout this 
country there are families that have suffered the loss of someone they 
love and they care about, and it's all because of violence.
  As my friend and colleague from Maryland, Ms. Edwards, has pointed 
out, many times that violence occurs in the home. It starts with verbal 
abuse, then physical abuse, and then sometimes results in a homicide. 
And of all places where a person should be safe in our country, it's in 
their home, whether it's a spouse or whether it's a child. And because 
of the epidemic, in my opinion, of violence in the home, more and more 
Americans and spouses especially, suffer those consequences and those 
consequences lead to their death by the hands of someone that claims 
they love them.
  And it's important that we remember those people who are victims of 
crime. It's been said that when a murder occurs, the killer steals from 
the victim everything they were and everything they will be. That's the 
tragedy. And families of homicide victims never get over it. I know Mr. 
Schiff, in his experience in the U.S. Attorney's office, and my 
experience as a criminal court judge and prosecutor, families of 
homicide victims think about the death of their loved one every day. 
Not a day goes by that they don't think about it. And they think about 
it every day forever. That's the tragedy they live with.
  So we, as a Nation, need to raise the awareness and the importance of 
these families and recognize that those people who have lost family 
members are Americans that need special recognition, special comfort 
from us.
  So I commend my friend, Ms. Edwards from Maryland, for sponsoring 
this resolution. I am proud to be a coauthor of this resolution.
  I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Speaker, I had the experience recently of being 
called up for jury duty in Los Angeles and called up for a criminal 
case and sat through really the entire voir dire process, which I 
hadn't done in many years. It was a murder case, and what was striking 
to me--I was not called into the box so I never became a juror--but

[[Page H10101]]

what was striking to me is, during the voir dire process, they asked 
each and every juror whether they thought they could sit fairly on the 
case before them.
  This particular case involved two victims, two people who were 
murdered, one who was a 16-year-old girl. And it was striking to me, 
both how many prospective jurors had a family member or close friend 
who'd been the victim of violence, who had been murdered or raped, how 
many also who could so relate to the circumstances that they felt they 
couldn't be fair and impartial. But it was extraordinary. There wasn't 
a single person really in the jury box that hadn't been touched in some 
way by violent crime.
  And I want to thank the gentlewoman from Maryland for her leadership 
on this issue and getting us all to take some time to reflect on how 
violence has touched all of our communities, all of our lives and how 
we can rededicate ourselves to trying to attack this incredible waste 
of life. So I thank you.
  I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Holden). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Schiff) that the House 
suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 757.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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