[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 16]
[House]
[Pages 21343-21348]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the 
rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 209) 
supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
and expressing the sense of Congress that Congress should raise 
awareness of domestic violence in the United States and its devastating 
effects on families.

[[Page 21344]]

  The Clerk read as follows:

                            H. Con. Res. 209

       Whereas since the Violence Against Women Act was passed in 
     1994, the rate of domestic violence has diminished; the rate 
     of family violence fell between 1993 and 2002 from 5.4 
     victims to 2.1 victims per 1,000 United States residents age 
     12 or older;
       Whereas although great strides have been made toward 
     breaking the cycle of violence, much work remains to be done;
       Whereas domestic violence affects women, men, and children 
     of all racial, social, religious, ethnic, and economic groups 
     in the United States;
       Whereas family violence accounted for 11 percent of all 
     reported and unreported violence between 1998 and 2002;
       Whereas about 22 percent of murders in 2002 were family 
     murders;
       Whereas family members were responsible for 43 percent of 
     murders of females in 2002;
       Whereas of the nearly 500,000 men and women in State 
     prisons for a violent crime in 1997, 15 percent were there 
     for a violent crime against a family member;
       Whereas the average age for a child killed by a parent is 7 
     years old and 4 out of 5 victims killed by a parent were 
     younger than 13 years old;
       Whereas there is a need to increase the public awareness 
     and understanding of domestic violence and the needs of 
     battered women and children;
       Whereas the month of October, 2005, has been recognized as 
     an appropriate month for activities furthering awareness of 
     domestic violence; and
       Whereas the dedication and success of those working 
     tirelessly to end domestic violence and the strength of the 
     survivors of domestic violence should be recognized: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 
     concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that Congress 
     should raise awareness of domestic violence in the Nation by 
     supporting the goals and ideals of National Domestic Violence 
     Awareness Month.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite) and the gentlewoman from California 
(Ms. Watson) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-
Waite).


                             General Leave

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to 
revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the 
concurrent resolution under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 209.
  This concurrent resolution, introduced by the distinguished gentleman 
from Texas (Mr. Al Green), supports the goals and ideals of Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month. According to the American Bar Association, 
nearly one in three women experience at least one physical assault by a 
partner during their lifetime. Consequently, in October, 1981, the 
National Coalition Against Domestic Violence found a way to connect 
both victims of domestic violence with battered women's advocates by 
instituting a National Day of Unity. The establishment of this day of 
recognition involve community activities at the national, State, and 
local levels. The program was successful in heightening awareness and 
empowering women in violent relationships.
  In October, 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was 
observed. Because of this national movement, the first national toll-
free hotline was created. In 1989 legislation commemorating ``Domestic 
Violence Awareness Month'' was first adopted by Congress and has been 
adopted every year since. This recognition has helped to bring domestic 
violence to the forefront of public debate. The awareness has 
contributed to the expansion of public education campaigns, victim 
services, recognition activities, and community outreach programs.
  I certainly hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing 
victims of domestic violence through the adoption of this concurrent 
resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the distinguished gentleman from Texas 
(Mr. Al Green) for authoring this thoughtful resolution. I am proud to 
be an original cosponsor of this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green).
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am honored that our leadership 
has chosen to bring this concurrent resolution, House Concurrent 
Resolution 209, before this august body. This concurrent resolution 
highlights the need to focus on and end domestic violence.
  First, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Virginia 
(Mr. Tom Davis), chairman of the Committee on Government Reform; and 
the gentleman from California (Mr. Waxman), ranking member, for 
bringing this important piece of legislation to the House floor.
  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the gentlewoman 
from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite), the co-chair of the Congressional 
Caucus for Women's Issues, who has worked with me as the Republican 
lead on this legislation. I am proud to say that this is a bipartisan 
effort. Her work on behalf of ending domestic violence and violence 
against women is commendable, and her leadership in this effort is 
invaluable.
  My heartfelt thanks also goes out to my 73 colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle who have cosponsored this resolution. I am pleased that 
this bill has received such strong bipartisan support because domestic 
violence transcends party affiliation; it transcends ethnicity; it 
transcends gender. Simply put, it transcends the boundaries of human 
decency that human beings owe each other.
  House Concurrent Resolution 209 is intended to support the goals and 
ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October. As our Nation 
strives to persevere in the aftermath of both Hurricanes Katrina and 
Rita, it is important that we not lose sight of the issues that have 
continually plagued Americans for decades.
  Our Nation faces a distressing crisis that affects women, men, and 
children regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. I have seen 
firsthand some of the dreadful and vile effects of domestic violence. I 
have seen the blackened eyes, the broken noses, and the broken limbs.
  The crisis of domestic violence is one that should not go unnoticed, 
especially because it is a crisis in which violations typically occur 
in places where we believe we have a safe haven: in our homes.
  Between 1998 and 2002, family violence accounted for 11 percent of 
all reported and unreported violence. Nearly 22 percent of murders in 
2002 were family murders, and women have suffered disproportionately 
with 43 percent of murders occurring by family perpetrators.
  I am deeply saddened that domestic violence continues to occur in our 
backyards. In my city of Houston, Texas, over 31,000 incidents of 
family violence were reported in 2004. That is an astounding average of 
88 incidents a day. That is more than three family violence incidents 
an hour. In fact, 34 confirmed deaths in Houston in 2004 were as a 
result of family violence, many of whom were children under the age of 
16 years.
  Such horrendous statistics are jarring, but I take great pride in the 
efforts of the Houston Police Department to combat domestic violence. 
The police department took the initiative to begin a program known as 
``Houston Men Against Family Violence.'' This initiative, which is run 
jointly by the Houston Police Department and other community partners 
including the Houston Area Women's Center, works to express the message 
that ending domestic violence is a responsibility that should be shared 
equally by all people. It educates and encourages men in the community 
to volunteer as leaders in the effort to end domestic violence by 
reducing the part men play as the primary perpetrators of family 
violence.
  I think that it is of utmost importance, utmost necessity, that we 
all work together to have a chance at effectively eradicating this 
appalling

[[Page 21345]]

crime. So I want to commend the Houston Police Department, all law 
enforcement agencies, and all other organizations that work to make our 
homes and families safer.
  I would like to thank several organizations for their commitment to 
ending domestic violence and for their endorsements of this concurrent 
resolution. I appreciate the efforts and support of the Harris County 
District Attorney's Office, the National Center on Domestic and Sexual 
Violence, the YWCA, the Institute on Domestic Violence in the African 
American Community, the Montana State Attorney General's Office, and 
the Utah State Attorney General's Office.
  These organizations work tirelessly every day to combat the epidemic 
of domestic violence that has ravaged this country.

                              {time}  1515

  I commend them and hope that we in this body will continue to support 
their efforts. It is my wish that we can continue to work together to 
bring an end to the pervasive and damaging crime of domestic violence 
through the future legislative efforts of this august body.
  The month of October provides us with an opportunity to recognize the 
dedication and success of those working tirelessly to end domestic 
violence and the strength of the survivors, but our efforts and 
awareness should continue beyond October. Every day ought to be End 
Domestic Violence Day. Domestic violence knows no boundaries of time or 
space or place.
  I urge all of my distinguished colleagues to support the adoption of 
H. Con. Res. 209. Doing this will show the American public that we 
stand united against domestic violence.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 
such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick), another cosponsor of H. Con. Res. 209.
  Mr. FITZPATRICK of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, last week I had the 
great honor of hosting the Soroptimist International, the Indian Rock 
Chapter of Pennsylvania, here in the Nation's Capital, a women's 
organization devoted to improving the lives of women and families 
across the globe. I was also honored to have the distinguished 
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) joining me to address the group 
on a variety of issues important to women and their families.
  The Soroptimists do great work by serving as an international voice 
in advancing the need for improved medical care, poverty relief, and 
job training for women everywhere. However, during our discussion, one 
issue took precedence, the need to recognize the plight of victims of 
domestic violence and to increase the Federal Government's 
responsibility to support its victims and to punish its abusers.
  Domestic violence is a scourge on our social fabric. Although much 
has been done since the enactment of the Violence Against Women Act in 
1994 to reduce domestic abuse, more must be done to break the cycle of 
violence that has affected the lives of millions of women and children 
across the Nation.
  According to the Department of Justice, each year 1 million women 
suffer nonfatal violence by an intimate partner. The American 
Psychological Association reports that nearly one in three adult women 
experience at least one physical assault by a partner during adulthood. 
These are statistics that cannot stand in a civil society in the 21st 
century. We must do more to increase awareness of the needs of battered 
women and their families. We must do more to stop domestic violence 
before it begins through education at an early age for boys and girls, 
and we must make sure that battered women and families receive adequate 
assistance through shelters, transitional housing assistance and other 
Federal programs.
  Mr. Speaker, I am a proud supporter and sponsor of this bill. 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an important time for women, men, 
parents, teachers, for all of us, to recognize a problem that continues 
to plague our society. As Americans, we owe a shared responsibility to 
help our neighbors and our communities. Let us all take this time to 
help victims of domestic violence and finally end this cycle which 
destroys lives and families.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, October 1 will mark the 18th annual observation of 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic Violence Awareness Month 
has its genesis in 1981 when advocates for battered women across the 
country observed a day of unity in order to publicize domestic 
violence. Over the next 6 years, the day of unity evolved into a week 
of activities and in 1987 into Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  In 1989, Congress recognized the tragedy of domestic violence in our 
country by passing commemorative legislation that honored victims of 
domestic violence and marked the observance of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month. Congress has since passed similar legislation each 
year to bring added exposure to this issue.
  In 1994, through the coordinated efforts of advocacy groups such as 
the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the California 
Alliance Against Domestic Violence, and the National Organization of 
Women, Congress passed the landmark Violence Against Women Act. 
President Clinton signed the VAWA to shine a bright light on an issue 
that had loomed in the shadows for far too long.
  The act provided help to victims who seek justice within the legal 
system and a refuge from abusive and dangerous domestic situations. To 
victims of domestic violence and advocates fighting to educate the 
public, this was truly a momentous occasion; and in the decade that 
followed the signing of the bill, violence in American homes dropped 
significantly. Indeed, the rate of family violence fell from 5.4 
victims to 2.1 victims per 1,000 United States residents age 12 or 
older from the year 1993 to 2002.
  Since then, other entities of the Federal Government have lent their 
support. In October 2003, the U.S. Postal Service issued its Stop the 
Family Violence semi-postal stamp to raise funds for the Department of 
Health and Human Services' domestic violence programs. To date, the 
postal service has sold more than 30 million of these stamps and 
generated $1.8 million for domestic violence programs.
  As more Americans become aware of domestic violence, they learn that 
such violence knows no bounds and affects all parts of society. No 
race, economic class, or education level is immune from this home-grown 
tragedy. However, communities of color and Native American communities 
remain at higher risks of domestic violence. They also have fewer 
services than other communities to deal with the violence and negative 
economic consequences that frequently result.
  While great strides have been made, an intolerable level of domestic 
violence still exists in the United States. Indeed, in 2002, nearly 
one-quarter of all murders in the United States took place within a 
family setting.
  In observing Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we must bear in mind 
the plight of hundreds of thousands of domestic violence victims and 
the work of those who continue to dedicate their energy and resources 
to eradicating domestic violence. As has occurred every year since 
1989, I urge this body to pass this commemorative legislation and to 
mark the observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. 
Carson).
  Ms. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me time 
and thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Al Green) for promoting this 
issue before this country.
  Violence itself is all too prevalent among us. Domestic violence in 
particular is devastating. It was not long ago that we were able to get 
the ears and the eyes of those who make a difference, the lawyers, the 
judiciary, the courts, who understood what it meant to be victims of 
violence.
  I rise today on behalf of the victims who no longer have a voice, on 
behalf of victims who are weary and too afraid to speak out for fear 
that speaking out will entrap them even further if

[[Page 21346]]

they do, speaking on behalf of the millions of women and children who 
suffer daily from the silent epidemic of domestic violence. This 
societal ill envelops all socio-economic groups, regardless of race, 
ethnicity, or education. It does not matter whether you live in the 
suburbs, a city, or more remote rural areas. It touches all of our 
communities.
  The numbers of domestic violence are staggering. You have heard it 
from my counterpart, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson). 
Surveys conducted over and over again show that one-third of women are 
at some time in their lives victims of domestic violence.
  Regrettably, this violence against women often escalates to homicide. 
In Indiana there were 60 reported deaths due to domestic violence in 
2003. Nationally, 1,880 women were murdered by men in 2002. I realize 
that sometimes the coin flips and there are women who are perpetrators 
of violence. We have to, as a body, as a country, address domestic 
violence from all sides; and I applaud the creators of this resolution 
to keep it before the ears and eyes of America, and would encourage the 
support of everyone in this body of good will, of common sense, and of 
understanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of victims who no longer have a 
voice, on behalf of victims who are weary and too tired to speak out or 
fear what will happen to them if they do. I am speaking for the 
millions of women and children who suffer daily from the silent 
epidemic of domestic violence. This societal ill envelops all socio-
economic groups regardless of race, ethnicity or education. It does not 
matter whether you live in the suburbs, the city or more remote rural 
areas; it touches all of our communities.
  The number of domestic violence victims in our country is staggering. 
A survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund, found that ``One-third 
(31%) of all women have been kicked, hit or punched, choked, or 
otherwise physically abused by a spouse or partner in their lifetimes. 
Three percent--a figure representing more than 3 million women in the 
U.S.--reported domestic abuse during that year.''
  Each year in my home State of Indiana, thousands of women and 
children fall victim to domestic violence. From July of 2003 through 
June of 2004, 37,396 adults and 12,032 children were served in 
residential and nonresidential programs for domestic violence.
  Domestic violence continues to be the leading cause of injury to 
women in this country. The agony is augmented by the fact that a great 
number of victims personally know their perpetrators. Sixty-four 
percent of women who reported being raped, physically assaulted, and/or 
stalked since age 18, were victimized by a current or former husband, 
cohabitating partner, boyfriend or date.
  Regrettably, this violence against women often escalates to homicide. 
In Indiana, there were 60 reported deaths due to domestic violence in 
2003.
  Nationally, 1,880 women were murdered by men in 2002. The statistics 
further indicate that of these women who were murdered, 1,587 were 
killed by a man they knew as compared to 168 who were killed by 
strangers. These horrific assaults are occurring in our homes and in 
environments with people we know and should be able to trust.
  Given these statistics, it is imperative that we reauthorize, build 
upon and support the Violence Against Women Act, which has paved the 
way for significant gains in the fight against domestic violence. Over 
the last 10 years VAWA has helped to decrease the incidence of domestic 
violence, improve services for victims, and implement positive 
institutional changes.
  However, there is still much work to be done in our country where on 
average nearly 3 women a day are murdered by abusive boyfriends or 
husbands and up to 10 million children a year witness this violence.
  We must hold legislative and judicial bodies accountable to promote 
and enforce laws that protect the victim and respond appropriately to 
the perpetrators. We must find ways to strengthen our health care 
response; protect the economic security of victims; ensure safe, decent 
and affordable housing for victims; provide additional prevention 
programs; support the particular needs of communities of color and 
native American women; address the special needs of immigrant women; 
provide enhanced services for military victims of domestic and sexual 
violence; and target resources toward children and adolescents who have 
witnessed or experienced domestic violence.
  Since coming to Congress in 1997, I have sought to raise awareness 
about this silent epidemic and to encourage and support legislation 
preventing these abuses and violations against humanity. In order for 
us to put an end to violence against women we must address and educate 
all audiences; women, men and children. We must support the 
reauthorization of VAWA, ensure that it is well-funded and expand its 
reach.
  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as 
he may consume to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Reichert), the 
former sheriff of King County, who knows a great deal about combating 
violent crime.
  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman and also thank the 
gentleman from Texas for introducing this resolution.
  As has been said already this afternoon, Mr. Speaker, this is an 
important issue; and I come before this House to talk about this issue 
because it is a passion that I share with all Americans across this 
country to eliminate, eventually, domestic violence. As a young person 
growing up and experiencing domestic violence in my own household, and 
then also as the sheriff of King County and a law enforcement officer 
for 33 years, I have a great deal of experience in witnessing the 
effects and impacts that domestic violence has on our own personal 
lives and on our communities and our Nation as a whole.
  I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution and recognize 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month and to be an original cosponsor of 
the Violence against Women Act of 2005, which will be considered in the 
full House tomorrow. The Violence Against Women Act has provided 
Federal resources and protections for victims of domestic violence and 
sexual assault. It is crucial that Congress reauthorize this program.
  I want to take a moment just to share maybe a story or two, to draw a 
picture for those who may be listening, about what domestic violence 
really does. It takes lives, it takes families, it takes communities. I 
have seen it.
  Go to a police call, go to a domestic violence call as a police 
officer and walk into a home and tell me you will not be impacted and 
affected by children who are hiding and cowering in a corner, and 
witness two adults screaming and yelling, and maybe one has a knife, 
maybe one has a gun. Children witnessing violence in their own home, 
against people who supposedly love them. It is sad. It is not only sad; 
it is tragic.
  Domestic violence can lead to all sorts of other issues that affect 
and impact our children: alcoholism; drug abuse; emotional, physical 
abuse; sexual abuse in the family; and it drives children from their 
homes and on to the streets. I have seen that too. I have seen them 
driven on to the streets and into the arms of people who want to do 
them harm.
  The month of October is designated as Domestic Violence Awareness 
Month. It is good that we have a month where we can think back and look 
at where we came from. In 1972 when I started out as a police officer 
and you got a call to a family fight, that is what they called it then, 
a family fight, you would drive up and meet the people standing in the 
yard or screaming in their house and the kids in the corner cowering 
because they are afraid that their mom or dad might be hurt, their mom 
or dad might go to jail, or they might be hurt.

                              {time}  1530

  The police officer back then only would separate the parties and wish 
them well and they would be on their way; no counseling, nobody went to 
jail, nobody held accountable, nobody held responsible in 1972 in 
Seattle. Today, we now have many, many laws in place that hold people 
accountable who commit these crimes. It is about time.
  We need to do this. We need to remember. We need to remember the 
crimes of domestic violence because it will rip our Nation apart. It 
rips families apart, it will rip our Nation apart, and I look forward 
to continuing my work in stomping out domestic violence.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.

[[Page 21347]]


  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such 
time as I may consume.
  Many law enforcement officers will tell us that responding to a 
domestic violence call is one of the most dangerous crimes to be called 
to investigate. My husband was a law enforcement officer for 20 years, 
and they were the calls that he felt threatened by and that he always 
felt so sorry for the family members involved, and certainly for the 
children.
  I have served on several boards of domestic violence shelters, and I 
know how important it is to shine that light, the public light of 
scrutiny on the victim, to bring information about victims, how they 
are abused, and also, the perpetrator, so that by shining this light on 
domestic violence and having Domestic Violence Awareness Month, that 
the public will be better informed, and that we will continue to see a 
reduction in the number of abusive situations.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support the adoption of House 
Concurrent Resolution 209.
  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Con. Res. 209 
recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I would like 
to thank my colleague from Texas for offering this important 
resolution.
  In 2002, family members were responsible for 43 percent of murders of 
females. Twenty-two percent of murders in 2002 were by family members. 
The average age for a child killed by a parent is 7 years old and four 
out of five victims killed by a parent were younger than 13 years old. 
I could go on for hours with alarming and truly sad statistics similar 
to these. As a Member of Congress, I believe it is my duty to stand 
here on the House floor and draw attention to these startling 
statistics. It is important to keep reiterating these numbers because 
they aren't just statistics--they are women, men, and children. They 
are our mothers, sisters, daughters, aunts, cousins and nieces. In some 
cases they are our fathers, brothers and sons.
  Across the country, day in and day out, individuals work tirelessly 
to eradicate domestic violence by not only participating in domestic 
violence help and support groups but by educating those on domestic 
abuse prevention. In central New Jersey, there are many exemplary 
organizations that provide valuable services to victims of domestic 
violence.
  One organization in Monmouth County, New Jersey is 180 Turning Lives 
Around which provides training and education to both victims and 
offenders of domestic violence. Some of the many services provided by 
the group are a School-Based Abuse Prevention Program designed to raise 
the awareness of abuse among adolescents and provide tools to reduce 
the risk of teens entering into abusive relationships, a temporary Safe 
House for women and children who are forced out of their homes because 
of violence and a 180's Families in Transition Program aimed at 
providing longer term housing for women and children who face economic 
instability if they leave their abusive relationship permanently. At 
these homes, counseling services and training is provided to get women 
who have been abused on their feet again.
  Womanspace is a similar organization aimed at serving all victims of 
domestic and sexual assault in Mercer Country, New Jersey. Womanspace 
provides counseling and support services, emergency services designed 
to assist victims immediately following the initial crisis through 
hotlines, Domestic Violence Victim Response Teams and a confidential 
and secure short term shelter.
  Since we passed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 1994 the 
number of reported incidences of domestic violence has decreased. In 
New Jersey the cases of reported domestic violence decreased by 2 
percent from 2004. Although these figures are encouraging, we cannot 
reduce our attention to this problem. We must continue to support 
organizations that work day in and day out to educate others on the 
dangers of domestic violence and counsel those who are already victims. 
We can do this by reauthorizing full funding for the VAWA which should 
come to the House floor soon.
  I also hope that we will have the opportunity to consider other 
important legislative measures that will combat this problem. For 
example, Rep. Capps, offered in the 108th Congress the Domestic 
Violence Screening, and Treatment Act of 2003 that gave States the 
option to cover domestic violence screening and treatment services 
under Medicaid. One hundred and twenty two of our colleagues supported 
this bill, yet it was never brought to the House floor for 
consideration. Rep. Rothman offered in the 108th Congress the Domestic 
Violence Victim Protection Act that among other things would allow 
States that authorize law enforcement to confiscate guns in certain 
domestic violence to receive Federal grants. As legislators, we must be 
leaders and take sensible and needed actions to renew our commitment to 
eliminate domestic violence.
  Recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an 
important first step but it should not be only action in the 109th 
Congress. I urge my colleagues to support this necessary resolution and 
by supporting this resolution today make, a commitment to taking even 
more steps to eliminating domestic violence.
  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues today 
speaking in support of H. Con. Res. 209, a Resolution supporting the 
goals and ideals of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and helping to 
raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on families across 
the nation.
  The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence began to observe the 
concept of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1987--the year that the 
first national toll-free telephone line was established. In 1989, 
Congress passed the first legislative recognition of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month, expressing the importance of awareness and education 
and encouraging preventative actions in every community around the 
Nation. And each year since that time, we have renewed the commitment 
of Congress and the Federal Government to those goals, as we are doing 
today in passing H. Con. Res. 209.
  This legislation is also particularly timely because we are now in 
the process of renewing the Violence Against Women Act as part of the 
Justice Department reauthorization. That legislation, originally passed 
and signed into law in 1994, allocated a substantial amount of Federal 
funding for prevention efforts, and it broadened the range of services 
and counseling available to women who become victims of abuse. In 2000, 
Congress reauthorized the bill and strengthened it, as we must again 
this year, driven by the goal of eliminating entirely the scourge that 
still wrecks far too many families across America including, 
tragically, many innocent children who witness the violence.
  One such tragic example occurred in my congressional district in 
April 2003, when the troubled Chief of Police of Tacoma, Washington, 
murdered his wife in the parking lot of a suburban shopping center just 
a few feet away from the couple's two young children. This man, Chief 
David Brame, ultimately took his own life that day, but he left those 
two kids with scars that will remain with them for the entirety of 
their lives. He also left the community questioning why and how such a 
tragedy could have occurred. An investigation later uncovered serious 
problems within the Tacoma Police Department which not only allowed the 
hiring of this individual with a history of domestic violence but 
continued to promote him despite serious and repeated violent acts 
against his wife, Crystal Judson Brame. Clearly, something was wrong 
here. The Tacoma Police Department lacked a strong and enforceable 
policy to address domestic violence committed by a member of its own--
in fact the Chief. And this was not a deficiency exclusive to Tacoma. 
As a result, the Washington State Legislature passed a law establishing 
strong standards for law enforcement agencies within the state to 
prevent and punish future incidents of domestic violence committed by 
law enforcement officers. We can and we should do more to call 
attention to the problems, to address the deficiencies that exist, and 
to stop these pernicious instances of domestic violence from ever 
occurring.
  It is in this spirit that I am pleased today to join my colleagues in 
supporting H. Con. Res. 209, and in working later this week and this 
month to improve and strengthen the provisions of the Violence Against 
Women Act which expire at the end of this year.
  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
this resolution to recognize the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month.
  This week we will also be considering legislation that will 
reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. It is my hope that we will 
strengthen and improve measures to ensure safe homes and communities 
for children and families.
  Congress must continue to raise awareness of domestic violence in the 
United States and the devastating effects violence has on too many of 
our American families. We must also ensure that the organizations 
working to end domestic violence in our communities have the resources 
they need to provide services to the survivors of family violence, 
sexual assault, and stalking. These families and organizations deserve 
our commitment.

[[Page 21348]]

  In my own State of Minnesota, VAWA funding went to programs and 
services for battered women and their children. Some of those projects 
in my own District include:
  The St. Paul based Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, which 
provides legal advocacy services to young Native American women in 
collaboration with the Ain Dah Yung Center.
  Breaking Free in St. Paul: A transitional housing program for women 
of color escaping prostitution.
  St. Paul-based Minnesota Coalition of Battered Women, which links 
battered women's programs across the state to help fulfill the goals of 
VAWA, including legal assistance; training for police, prosecutors, and 
court officers; and protection for battered women and their children.
  Other projects in Minnesota include:
  The Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth--a comprehensive 
review of the criminal justice and civil court response to battered 
women.
  The Women's Rural Advocacy Program in Southwest Minnesota, which 
purchases and implementation of digital cameras and printers for 
improved prosecution of domestic violence cases.
  Migrant Health Services in Crookston, which provides domestic 
violence and sexual assault services to Hispanic migrant farm workers 
in the Red River Valley.
  In addition to the lives saved by improved responses to violence 
against women, VAWA has saved our country nearly $15 billion in social 
costs, such as savings in the judicial and health care systems.
  The month of October also marks the anniversary of a great loss to 
the domestic violence community--the untimely deaths of Paul and Sheila 
Wellstone. Not only were Paul and Sheila tireless advocates for abused 
women and children, they were also instrumental framers of VAWA. The 
Wellstones are greatly missed by Minnesotans and people throughout our 
Nation.
  It is in recognition of those who continue the legacy of a commitment 
to ending domestic violence in homes and communities across our Nation, 
and in honor of survivors of domestic violence, that I stand today in 
support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Mr. EMANUEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. 
Res. 209, Supporting the goals and ideals of Domestic Violence 
Awareness Month. Domestic violence continues to have a devastating 
effect on American families. It is important for Congress to take a 
leading role in raising awareness about this issue.
  I am proud to have played a leading role in creating the 1994 
Violence Against Women Act during my time in the White House. Since the 
passage of this important act, the rate of domestic violence in the 
United States has diminished. However, there is still work to be done 
in breaking the cycle of violence and addressing the root causes of 
domestic violence.
  Domestic violence affects women, men, and children of all racial, 
social, religious, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Between 1998 and 
2002, family violence accounted for 11 percent of all reported violence 
in the nation. 22 percent of murders in 2002 were committed by family 
members of the victims, and approximately 15 percent of violent crime 
convictions were for an attack on a family member.
  Congress must support measures to stop domestic violence before it 
begins through education, transitional housing assistance and 
counseling programs. We must also make it a priority to reauthorize the 
Violence Against Women Act and ensure that this important legislation 
receives sufficient funding.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for introducing this 
important resolution, and I urge my colleagues to join me in support of 
establishing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support all the women 
and children who have survived domestic violence, and for all the women 
whose lives have been claimed by domestic abuse. It is abhorrent that 
violence within our homes continues to be prevalent today--nearly one 
in four American women report being physically or sexually abused by a 
husband or boyfriend at some point in their lives. Violence against 
women is a profound and extremely pervasive problem, striking across 
borders, across economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and across 
all age groups. It is an epidemic that affects not only women, but 
their children and families as well.
  As we recognize National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this 
October, it is time that we actively work to end violence against 
women. I would like to draw special attention to immigrant women who 
continue to lack access to many resources that would enable them to 
escape domestic abuse. While we were able to include many critical 
provisions of relief to battered immigrant women when we reauthorized 
the Violence Against Women Act in 2000, there are still battered 
immigrants, like asylees and the elderly, who are forced to remain in 
abusive relationships, unable to appeal for protection from law 
enforcement and the courts for fear of deportation. I have introduced 
H.R. 3188, the Immigrant Victims of Violence Protection Act, which will 
allow them to safely escape their abusers without fear of deportation 
or other negative immigration consequences. This legislation would also 
provide a safety net for battered legal immigrants and their children 
by allowing them access to work permits, health insurance, food, and 
other benefits required to escape their abuser and gain economic 
independence.
  It is time that we change attitudes in this country so that violence 
against women is no longer tolerated. We are devoting extensive 
resources to ending terror around the world, while at the same time one 
in four women continue to be terrorized by domestic violence and sexual 
assault in their lifetime. It is time that we devote the same amount of 
resources to ending a form of violence that terrorizes over half the 
population of this globe. We must teach our sons that violence of any 
kind is unacceptable; we must give our daughters encouragement and 
support so they have the self-esteem to leave abusive relationships; 
and we must start to envision a world free of violence against women. I 
believe that if we all work together, we can turn this vision into 
reality. But it is going to take resources, hard work, and, most of 
all, incredible resolve. I challenge my colleagues to make the fight 
against domestic violence a top priority, and together we can make this 
country a safer place for our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.
  Mr. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Bradley of New Hampshire). The question 
is on the motion offered by the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny 
Brown-Waite) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the 
concurrent resolution, H. Con. Res. 209.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds of 
those present have voted in the affirmative.
  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and 
nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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