"I want to congratulate the Leader for her efforts in getting us to this point. Today, after two months, I think we're going to do something...
"I want to congratulate the Leader for her efforts in getting us to this point. Today, after two months, I think we're going to do something very positive and we're going to do it in a very bipartisan way. I think that's excellent. I think America will be advantaged. Every American -- women, yes, but every American -- will be advantaged. "House Democrats support the fully inclusive re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which passed the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 78-22, as has been referenced. The majority of Republican senators, and all Republican women senators, voted in favor. That bill represents a compromise. "I urge my colleagues to defeat the partisan amendment version so we can pass the Senate bill. I voted for the rule, which allows us that opportunity. Let us take it. The changes House Republicans made in their version significantly weaken its provisions -- I want to say some Republicans, I want to make that clear, not all -- and protecting victims of domestic violence and empowering law enforcement to keep our people safe from these crimes. "The House Republican bill omits critical protections for Native Americans, for LGBT Americans, and for immigrants. Furthermore, the House Republican bill removes protections for students on campus, victims of human trafficking, and those who've experienced rape or stalking. Why? Why not protect everybody, all Americans? When we fail to protect all victims, abusers can get away with the abuse and repeat it ... Less
