[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 161 (Friday, September 28, 2018)]
[House]
[Page H9156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

  (Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my 
colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as the many advocacy 
groups, health organizations, and constituents working with our 
offices, for ensuring an extension of the Violence Against Women Act 
while a long-term reauthorization is finalized. This is a crucial first 
step toward ensuring that victims of violence continue to have the 
resources they rely on and our law enforcement officers can keep up the 
fight against domestic violence and sex crimes.
  VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation enacted over two decades ago. 
It plays two very important roles: first, to prevent against violent 
crimes against women; and second, to provide care and assistance to 
women who were victims of violent crimes.
  VAWA has enhanced domestic violence and stalking penalties, added 
protections for abused elderly and disabled women, helped to fight 
against sex trafficking, and addressed the rape kit backlog in many 
States.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues toward a 
long-term reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.

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