[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 39 (Monday, October 2, 2000)]
[Pages 2221-2222]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on House of Representatives Action on the Violence Against 
Women Act

September 26, 2000

    Yesterday I called on Congress to act quickly to strengthen and 
reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. More than 900,000 women 
across the country suffer violence at the hands of an intimate partner 
each year, demonstrating the continuing need for this legislation. I am 
very pleased that today the House of Representatives voted 
overwhelmingly to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. This vote 
affirms our commitment to support the work of State and local 
prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and health care and social 
service professionals throughout the country who every day respond to 
women who are victims of domestic violence, stalking, and sexual 
assault.

[[Page 2222]]

    It is now time for the Senate to act. Unless the act is reauthorized 
by September 30, authorization for critical grant programs supporting 
the victims of domestic violence will be in jeopardy. With over 70 
sponsors in the Senate, there is no reason for delay.