Political Quotes

“the measure we have approved today to move forward, the Violence Against Women Act, so far as it defines us, states our values and articulates the vision we see of our Nation as caring for people who are victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. I am proud of my colleagues for approving this measure today to go forward by an overwhelming bipartisan vote, 85 to 8. I hope this day will be followed by final passage here and then in the House of Representatives, avoiding the fate that befell it during the last session, when I similarly supported this measure to reauthorize and strengthen a bill that has served us well for 18 years. It served us well in addressing a problem that is as horrific and heinous as any that afflicts our society, domestic violence and sexual assault, shapes futures and transforms lives for the worse, unless they are followed by the service and law enforcement that VAWA provides. VAWA is about the organizations that provide those services and need the support in Connecticut and around the country, organizations in Connecticut that provide services to 54,000 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault every year. In our State alone, $4 million provides those critical services to men and women and children so they can survive and even thrive after domestic assault. We have made great strides on this problem, but there is great work still to be done. We cannot be complacent or overconfident. We cannot be self-satisfied.…”