Sheila Jackson Lee: “Let me acknowledge the leadership of the gentlewoman who has offered this amendment and the opportunities that we have…”

“Let me acknowledge the leadership of the gentlewoman who has offered this amendment and the opportunities that we have had to work together. I look forward to working with her going forward. I have also worked with, over the years--really starting from the time that I stood alongside of then-Senator Joe Biden as this bill was presented for reauthorization. It went all the way through my time on the Judiciary Committee and the writing of this bill in 2018, when, unfortunately, there was no effort by the Judiciary Committee to put this bill forward for a hearing, there was no effort by the Senate Republicans, and no effort by the Republican President in 2018 to do anything about the scourge of violence against women and men and many groups. I have worked with the 200-plus organizations that are involved in the coalition that stand against sexual assault and rape and stalking and domestic violence. They are in many different categories and sizes, but they are vital in their service. I am concerned that this amendment would undermine those smaller organizations, who are unique in their service that they provide. They are in places where large organizations may not be. They are working with indigenous populations, Native Americans, immigrant women, LGBTQ. They are saving lives.…”