Supporting the Mission and Goals of National Crime Victims' Rights Week

Floor Speech

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1053) supporting the mission and goals of National Crime Victims' Rights week in order to increase public awareness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and survivors of crime in the United States.

The Clerk read the title of the resolution.

The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 1053

Whereas 23,000,000 Americans are victims of crime each year, and of those, 5,200,000 are victims of violent crime;

Whereas a just society acknowledges crime's impact on individuals, families, and communities by ensuring that rights, resources, and services are available to help rebuild lives;

Whereas victims' rights are a critical component of the promise of ``justice for all,'' the foundation for our system of justice in America;

Whereas although our Nation has steadily expanded rights, protections, and services for victims of crime, too many victims are still not able to realize the hope and promise of these gains;

Whereas we must do better to ensure services are available for underserved segments of our population, including crime victims with disabilities, victims with mental illness, victims who are teenagers, victims who are elderly, victims in rural areas, and victims in communities of color;

Whereas observing victims' rights and treating victims with dignity and respect serves the public interest by engaging victims in the justice system, inspiring respect for public authorities, and promoting confidence in public safety;

Whereas America recognizes that we make our homes, neighborhoods, and communities safer and stronger by serving victims of crime and ensuring justice for all;

Whereas our Nation must strive to protect, expand, and observe crime victims' rights so that there truly is justice for victims and justice for all; and

Whereas National Crime Victims' Rights Week, April 13, 2008 through April 19, 2008, provides an opportunity for us to strive to reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring that all victims are afforded their legal rights and provided with assistance as they face the financial, physical, and psychological impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the United States House of Representatives--

(1) supports the mission and goals of the 2008 National Crime Victims' Rights Week in order to increase public awareness of the impact of crime on victims and survivors of crime, and of the rights and needs of such victims and survivors; and

(2) directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the Office for Victims of Crime in the Department of Justice.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Zoe Lofgren) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot) each will control 20 minutes.

The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California.

GENERAL LEAVE

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentlewoman from California?

there was no objection.

Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, the National Center for Victims of Crime reports that approximately 23 million Americans are victimized by crime each year. Of these, more than 5 million are victims of violent crime.

Victims of crime can suffer from a broad range of adverse effects, ranging from the physical to the psychological. Some experience financial distress resulting from a disruption in employment.

Unfortunately, some of the most vulnerable of our society are also among those who are most commonly the victims of crime. People of color suffer disproportionately from violent crime. The poor and uneducated are often the target of financial schemes. And, sadly, children are victimized more than any other group.

A just society demands that we always bear in mind the suffering that crime victims endure and work to reduce the incidence of the crime that causes that suffering.

This bill will increase public awareness about the effects of crime on its victims and their families as well as our communities.

As part of today's debate, I would also like to point out that the Office for Victims of Crime offers a full array of assistance help for crime victims. By supporting this office and its programs on an ongoing basis we can help ensure that victims are afforded their legal rights and the necessary assistance to overcome the effects of being victimized by crime.

I encourage my colleagues to support H. Res. 1053.

I reserve the balance of my time.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source