[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 50 (Wednesday, March 17, 2021)]
[House]
[Page H1483]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               INVESTING IN PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS

  (Ms. LEE of California asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute.)
  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1620, 
the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. I am proud to cosponsor 
this bill, and I want to thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and 
Chairman Jerry Nadler for, once again, their leadership and bold 
efforts to bring this bill to the floor.
  This reauthorization bill builds upon the landmark 1994 legislation 
by expanding protections and services for survivors, while also working 
to prevent violence from occurring in the first place. It makes vital 
investments in preventing sexual assaults and stalking and increases 
victims' access to safe housing and economic stability. It also 
increases funding of programs for culturally specific services.
  An estimated one in three women experience domestic violence in this 
country. I personally know what strong and consistent support means to 
emerge as a survivor.
  When I was in the California State Legislature, I authored the 
Violence Against Women Act for the State of California. And today, I am 
so proud, along with Congresswoman Jackson Lee, that we passed the 
Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act with bipartisan support. 
When I was in the California State Legislature, a Republican Governor 
signed my bill into law, so I thank the gentlewoman very much for her 
leadership.

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