Mr. President. I want to thank the managers of the bill. the distinguished Senator from Wyoming [Senator SIMPSON] and the distinguished Senator from Massachusetts [Senator KENNEDY] for accepting a bloc of three amendments that I offered to the immigration reform bill and including them in the managers amendment that was just accepted by voice vote. I have been deeply concerned about provisions In the bill that could have the effect. perhaps unwittingly. of perpetuating violence against immigrant women and children. Two years ago. Congress made a commitment to fight the epidemic of violence against womenall womenwhen we passed the historic Violence Against Women Act. That commitment should not be forgotten as we debate immigration reform. There are provisions in this immigration bill before the Senate today that could trap many women in abusive relationships. Mr. President. it would be unconscionable for our immigration laws to facilitate an abusers control over his victim. It would be unconscionable for our immigration laws to abet criminal perpetrators of domestic violence. It would be unconscionable for our immigration laws to perpetuate violence against women and children. Domestic abuse is one of the most serious issues our country facesnot only for the people who are in danger in their own homes. but for all of uswhen that danger. that abusive behavior learned at home. spills out into our streets and schools. Domestic abuse knows no borders.
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