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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release September 26, 2000

                    STATEMENT BY THE VICE PRESIDENT
                ON THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)

     By approving the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

today, the House of Representatives has taken an important bipartisan step toward final passage of this much-needed legislation, just days before its expiration on September 30th.

We must not allow the beginning of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to mark the end of the Violence Against Women Act. In October alone, approximately 75,000 women will become victims of beatings, and in many cases their children will be attacked as well. Violence against women is a national concern that requires a strong, national response. The Violence Against Women Act has been, and must remain, a powerful tool in the fight against domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.

I urge the Senate to follow the lead of the House and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. We don't have a moment to lose when it comes to protecting the lives and health of women, children and America's families.

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