[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 71 (Thursday, May 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E831]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2012

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 16, 2012

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 4970 
because it represents a missed opportunity to renew the Violence 
Against Women Act, VAWA. VAWA exists because women have a human right 
to live in dignity without fear of criminal activity being perpetrated 
against them, and local and national law enforcement agencies must have 
specific tools to protect that right.
  The bill before this House will undermine the progress our nation has 
made toward protecting and supporting victims of sexual assault and 
domestic violence. It runs counter to the intent of VAWA by cutting 
vital existing protections for battered immigrant women, and excludes 
important protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and 
Questioning, LGBTQ, victims, as well as Native American women. This 
bill fails to protect some of the most vulnerable victims and leaves 
them without access to essential services.
  Three in five Native American women have experienced domestic 
violence in their lifetime. Up to 33 percent of the LGBTQ community are 
victims of domestic violence. These are not merely statistics; these 
are people we represent and they need our support.
  I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill.

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