Patrick Leahy: “I support crime victims' assistance and rights, but I do not support this proposed amendment to the Constitution. Just…”

“I support crime victims' assistance and rights, but I do not support this proposed amendment to the Constitution. Just as opposition to a flag desecration amendment does not mean a Senator is in favor of flag burning, opposition to a victims' rights amendment does not mean that a Senator opposes justice for victims of crime. In fact, during the course of this debate, we will have a statutory alternative to the proposed constitutional amendment that would serve to advance crime victims' rights. I have been in the Senate for 25 years. I think it is safe to say that I have been a very strong advocate for victims' rights during that time.”