[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 860]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, in the two decades since the Violence 
Against Women Act passed--it passed with a very strong vote, a 
bipartisan vote here in the Senate, and then in the House at the time--
incidents of domestic violence have fallen by more than half, by as 
much as 53 percent. The law has helped millions of women and children 
escape their attackers and get the justice they deserve. It is a 
landmark piece of legislation. That is why Congress twice reauthorized 
this legislation without a hint of controversy or a moment of delay.
  But despite the overwhelming evidence this legislation saves lives 
and protects women, House Republicans used every procedural trick known 
to Congress to block its reauthorization last Congress. Despite strong 
bipartisan support here in the Senate, Republicans in the House refused 
to join the effort to renew our national commitment to ending domestic 
violence.
  Allowing partisan delays to put women's lives at risk is simply 
shameful. If House Republicans believe domestic violence is no longer a 
problem in this country, they are wrong. Every day three women in 
America die at the hands of their abusers. Every day many women escape 
with their lives but with the physical and emotional scars of the abuse 
that exists.
  More than one-third of women in this country have been victims of 
violence, sexual assault, or stalking by a partner--one-third of the 
women in this country have been victims of violence, sexual assault, or 
stalking by a partner. It is in our power to help, and it is 
unthinkable that Republicans in the House would prevent us from taking 
action and again refuse to do anything, as they did last Congress.
  Victims of violence and law enforcement officials who support them 
have already waited too long for Congress to act. This week, the Senate 
will pass a strong bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against 
Women Act. This is something that was put forward by the chairman of 
that committee, the Judiciary Committee, Senator Leahy. He has worked 
hard on it. He did everything possible last Congress to get this done. 
Because of the House's intransigence, they refused to do anything in 
spite of his work.
  I thank Chairman Leahy, Senator Murray, and the women of the Senate 
for their leadership on this issue. I am pleased so many of my Senate 
colleagues have expressed support for swift action on this legislation, 
and especially so many Senate Republicans have supported this 
legislation. The Senate will not allow women to be denied the 
protection they need and deserve.
  We must ensure law enforcement has the means to stop these horrible 
crimes. We must guarantee communities have the resources to support 
victims regardless of sexual orientation, immigration status, or where 
they live, as they heal. Every victim of domestic violence deserves the 
same vigorous protections under the law. Because of the unique nature 
of the crime, combating domestic violence and protecting those affected 
also requires unique tools. Reauthorizing this act would help law 
enforcement continue to develop effective strategies to prosecute cases 
involving violent crimes against women. It would provide funding for 
shelters and transitional housing programs for victims of domestic 
violence and sexual assault and help victims become independent. It 
would make legal assistance available to victims of violence and 
safeguard children and youth affected by dating violence and stalking.
  Although the Violence Against Women Act expired in 2011, many of the 
programs established under the law have been funded by continuing 
resolutions. But not everything. A full reauthorization of this law is 
necessary to ensure authorities have all the resources they need to 
fight domestic violence. So I hope the Senate's bipartisan action this 
week will send a strong message to House Republican leaders that 
further partisan delay is unacceptable.

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