Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 Through 2009

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE APPROPRIATIONS AUTHORIZATION ACT, FISCAL YEARS 2006 THROUGH 2009 -- (Extensions of Remarks - December 22, 2005)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2005

Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA. I am pleased VAWA will be given floor consideration before Congress adjourns this session.

Ending family and community violence in this country requires an on-going commitment from Congress. Our obligation as legislators and citizens is to provide the tools to prevent family violence, and where violence has occurred, support services that provide the needed shelter and support to victims. Furthermore, the perpetrators of family violence must receive both significant punishments as well as the necessary interventions to prevent recidivism. Our goal must be to end the cycle of family violence in our communities and that will require comprehensive intervention and prevention strategies.

This reauthorization is critical in encouraging collaborative efforts among law enforcement officials, the courts, and service providers who work with victims of domestic and sexual violence. We must continue to increase public awareness of domestic violence, while addressing the individual and unique experiences of victims of domestic and sexual violence, including the needs of immigrant populations and people of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, the disabled, and children. As a Nation, we must do what we can to end the cycle of violence that exists in too many homes and communities across the country and to assist the families and children who are living day to day in fear and isolation.

VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation that has been successful. It has brought a voice to those who had been silenced and shelter to those who were in need of a safe place. And, there is still work to be done. For example, while this bipartisan authorization bill is critical to moving the issue forward, adequate funding for services for families affected by violence must also be a priority for this Congress.

On a personal note, my daughter, Katie, has recently started a career in providing services to victims of family violence. From the frequent stories she tells me about working in a shelter for women, it is clearly a challenging but also very rewarding career path she has chosen. I applaud Katie and all of the women and men who have committed their professional careers or volunteer hours to serving our neighbors and community members who have found themselves victims of domestic violence. Their dedication makes communities across America stronger, more caring and more peaceful.

It is in honor of the survivors of violence and those who serve them that I stand today in support of Congress's role in providing services and support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through the reauthorization of VAWA.

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