Political Quotes

“In 1989, Debbie Smith was kidnapped from her Williamsburg, Virginia, home while her husband, a police officer, was sleeping upstairs. Her assailant dragged her into the woods behind her home and raped her. Despite being threatened with further harm, she bravely came forward, reported the assault, and consented to a forensic exam with hopes that her attacker would be quickly identified and apprehended. Unfortunately, this did not happen. In the years following the sexual assault, Debbie Smith, stricken with thoughts of suicide, struggled with the paralyzing fear that her unknown attacker would return to inflict harm on her and her family. The traumatic effect remained with Debbie and her family for over 6 years until an offender was identified and convicted using DNA analysis. I am pleased to sponsor H.R. 4323, the Debbie Smith Reauthorization Act of 2014, to ensure victims of rape, sexual assault, and other violent crimes do not have to endure similar experiences to Debbie Smith in the future. I would like to acknowledge the bipartisan support received from the numerous cosponsors of this important legislation, including lead cosponsor Congresswoman Bass of California and original cosponsors Ranking Member Conyers, Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner, and Ranking Member Scott.…”