[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 57 (Wednesday, April 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND GOALS OF 2010 NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS 
                                  WEEK

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                               speech of

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 2010

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask that we take time to recognize 
National Crime Victims' Rights Week. As a law enforcement officer for 
33 years, protecting victims of crime and their rights is a mission 
close to my heart.
  In the King County Sheriff's office, I saw unspeakable tragedies 
firsthand. I saw the consequences of crime and how it affects victims--
sometimes for the rest of their lives. There are few things more 
painful than looking into the eyes of a victim, knowing that a 
criminal's selfish, terrible deed has done irreparable damage to an 
innocent life.
  As a cop, you live with the hard truth that you can't prevent every 
crime. But what we can all do is provide as much support and aid to 
victims as possible. We can help them receive justice and return some 
normalcy to their lives.
  I urge my colleagues to keep victims of crimes in their hearts and 
minds, especially when voting for measures that will support their 
ability to move beyond the tragedies they've suffered and are working 
to overcome.

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