[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 4]
[House]
[Page 5394]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 5394]]


  URGING MEMBERS TO COSPONSOR REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST 
                               WOMEN ACT

  (Mrs. MORELLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, 5 years ago Congress passed the landmark 
Violence Against Women Act and changed the way this Nation addresses 
the crimes of domestic violence and sexual assault.
  Today, because of that, there are more investigations and 
prosecutions with stiffer penalties, including life sentences for those 
who cross State lines to commit domestic violence. Communities across 
the country are training police officers on how best to respond to 
family violence calls.
  Today there is a National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides a 
lifeline to the more than 8,000 callers each month. There are more 
shelters and counseling services provided for the women and children 
who are faced with danger in their own homes. Children who experience 
domestic violence have stronger advocates and support within the 
judicial system. These programs have made a significant difference in 
the health and happiness of hundreds of thousands of women and children 
and families.
  Today, Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the 5-year reauthorization of 
the programs under the Violence Against Women Act. I urge my colleagues 
to join me in cosponsorship. There is no excuse for domestic violence.

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