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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President


For Immediate Release June 30, 2000
                   STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT ON
                   VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)

     I applaud the bipartisan efforts of both the House and Senate

Judiciary Committees in approving Violence Against Women (VAWA) legislation this week. In 1994, with bipartisan support, Congress passed this historic legislation that created a national response to women and children victimized by family violence and sexual assault. Over the last six years, VAWA has provided over $1.6 billion to support the work of prosecutors, law enforcement officials, the courts, victim advocates, and intervention and prevention programs to address violence against women at the federal, tribal, state, and local levels.

I urge Congress to act expeditiously to bring this vital legislation to the floor for a vote so VAWA and the Violent Crime Reduction Trust Fund can be reauthorized. We must all work to together to ensure that this vital legislation is passed this year. This law has made a tremendous difference in the lives of countless women, but we need to pass this critical legislation this year to continue our fight against domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault.

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