[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1309]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   H.R. 6545, THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018

                                 ______
                                 

                  HON. HENRY C. ``HANK'' JOHNSON, JR.

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the H.R. 
6545, the Violence Against Women Act.
  Today, more than ever, it is clear we as a nation must do more to 
protect our women and girls. The #MeToo movement has made it 
increasingly obvious that we are failing as a country to properly 
address and prevent sexual assault.
  Sexual violence is particularly prevalent among women of color, who 
are often times victims to an oppressive combination of racism and 
sexism. Statistics show that by the age of 18, approximately 40 percent 
of black women report coercive sexual contact, and that Native American 
women are almost two times as likely to be assaulted than their white 
peers.
  Today, I find it exceptionally important to stand as an ally to 
women, as Republicans attempt to push through a Supreme Court nominee 
who has been accused of sexual violence. I stand with my female 
colleagues and women across the country when I say--time's up. We must 
believe women and ensure our laws protect their safety and equality.
  I support the Violence Against Women Act and I urge all of my 
colleagues to do the same.

                          ____________________