Political Quotes

“Mr. President, it is a shame it has taken so long to get to this point, but I am very glad to see we are close to having this body move forward on this legislation. The Violence Against Women Act has helped provide lifesaving assistance to hundreds and thousands of women and families, and it was certainly a no-brainer to make sure that all women had access to that assistance. I was proud to have been here serving in the Senate in 1994 when we first passed VAWA. Along with its bipartisan support, it received praise from law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, victims, service providers, faith leaders, health professionals, advocates, and survivors. It obtained that broad support because it has worked. Since it became law 18 years ago, domestic violence has decreased by 53 percent. We have made a lot of progress since 1994, and I am glad we are continuing on that path today on behalf of all women. In fact, Deborah, is here with us today. Deborah is the Vice Chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribe in my home State of Washington. Yesterday she joined Senators Boxer, Klobuchar and me to tell her emotional story about the devastating effects violence can have on women--especially Native women. Deborah was repeatedly abused, starting at a very young age, by a non-tribal man who lived on her reservation.…”