Jim Ramstad: “I rise in strong support of the national stalker and domestic violence amendment offered by Mr. Kennedy of…”

“I rise in strong support of the national stalker and domestic violence amendment offered by Mr. Kennedy of Massachusetts. As a strong supporter of the Violence Against Women Act, I know how important it is for Congress to take strong steps to prevent domestic violence and stalking. This amendment is an excellent complement to that legislation. It is often very difficult for someone being stalked to get protection. This amendment will give law enforcement and the courts access to an alleged stalker's criminal history. If Congress passes this amendment: No longer will alleged stalkers with criminal records slip through the cracks; no longer will victims be continuously stalked, and their lives threatened, simply because nobody knew the stalker's criminal background. I'm pleased to be part of this important bipartisan amendment. I urge my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join us. If we put politics aside, this body can pass a strong anticrime bill. The American public--and in this case, America's stalking and domestic violence victims--deserve nothing less.”