    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 15, 2000]
    [Page 934]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Supreme Court Decision Striking Down a Provision of the
    Violence Against Women Act
    May 15, 2000

        I am deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision today in
    United States v. Morrison. In this case, the Court struck down the civil
    remedy provision contained in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). In
    1994, as part of comprehensive crime control legislation, I signed into
    law the Violence Against Women Act. This historic, important piece of
    Federal legislation contains a broad array of groundbreaking laws to
    combat violence against women. VAWA passed Congress with bipartisan
    support.
         The Supreme Court's decision today does not affect the viability of
    VAWA as a whole. It does not affect any of the VAWA grant programs nor
    does it affect Federal criminal provisions that punish interstate
    domestic violence and stalking crimes. The Supreme Court did, however,
    invalidate one important provision of the Violence Against Women Act
    that gave victims of gender-motivated violence the ability to sue their
    attackers for lost earnings, medical expenses, and other damages.
    Because I continue to believe that there should be remedies for victims
    of gender-motivated violence, we plan to study the Supreme Court's
    decision in Morrison to determine the best means to help these victims.
        VAWA has provided funds to communities across the Nation to address
    the tragedy of violence against women. These funds have made a crucial
    difference in women's lives. Unfortunately, VAWA funding is only
    authorized until the end of fiscal year 2000. I have made the
    reauthorization and strengthening of VAWA a top legislative goal for
    this year. If we work together, we can enact a bill that will keep women
    in this country safe from violence.