Political Quotes

“this week marks the 20th anniversary of our observance of National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This is a week that we set aside each year to honor and commemorate the victims of crime and those who serve them. It is appropriate to take this time to discuss the unmet needs of victims in our Nation's criminal justice system. Tremendous strides have been made in these past 20 years toward ensuring better and more comprehensive rights and services for victims of crime. Today, there are over 30,000 laws nationwide that define and protect victims' rights, as well as over 10,000 national, State, and local organizations that provide assistance to people who have been hurt by crime. This is substantial progress, but there is still more to be done. My involvement with crime victims' rights began more than three decades ago when I served as State's Attorney for Chittenden County, Vermont, and witnessed first-hand the devastation of crime. I have worked ever since to ensure that the criminal justice system is one that respects the rights and dignity of victims of crime and domestic violence, rather than one that presents additional ordeals for those already victimized. I am proud that Congress has been a significant part of the solution to provide victims with greater rights and assistance.”