Political Quotes

“Madam President, I rise to speak in support of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011, which I am pleased to cosponsor today. As attorney general of Rhode Island, I saw firsthand the good work the Violence Against Women Act, VAWA, has done to protect victims of domestic violence, to provide crucial services to those in need, and to hold batterers accountable. The VAWA Reauthorization Act builds on that record of success and makes important updates to strengthen the law, while cognizant of the challenging budget circumstances we face. I congratulate Senators Leahy and Crapo for their hard work and leadership on this bill. I am particularly appreciative that Senators Leahy and Crapo have included the Saving Money and Reducing Tragedies through Prevention Act of 2011, or the SMART Prevention Act, which I previously introduced, within the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Far too many teens suffer abuse at the hands of a dating partner. According to the Centers for Disease Control, for example, 1 in 10 teenagers reported being hit or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend at least once in the past year. The SMART Prevention Act will support innovative and effective programs to protect our children from this dangerous abuse.…”