The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“SUPPORT FOR THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E393-E394 on March 7, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
SUPPORT FOR THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
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HON. RUSH D. HOLT
of new jersey
in the house of representatives
Thursday, March 6, 2003
Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of full funding of the Violence Against Women Act. This law has fostered countless initiatives that have brought millions of dollars to shelters, increased resources for law enforcement, expanded the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and bolstered the prosecution of child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence cases.
These programs and services are invaluable. U.S. Department of Justice statistics indicate that domestic violence has decreased by 49% since VAWA went into effect. They also reaffirm that full funding for VAWA is well worth the investment. It is estimated that the $1.6 billion spent on VAWA programs during the first six years after its enactment saved government coffers $14.8 billion in medical, legal, workplace and other social costs, not to mention saving many lives.
Unfortunately, state budget crises and decreases in federal funding are threatening these vital programs and services. President Bush's budget request for FY 2004 would cut funding for VAWA programs and services by $141.6 million in FY 2004 from the previously authorized level of $692.5 million.
Our nation must renew our commitment to ending all forms of domestic violence. I urge my colleagues to appropriate full funding to fulfill the mission of the Violence Against Women Act.
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