Yesterday I was honored to be on the floor of the House when we joined the Senate to pass the Violence Against Women Act! It is because of your support and your voice that we were able to pass this critical legislation. I want to thank you. By reauthorizing and strengthening the Violence Against Women Act in a bipartisan fashion, Congress has helped assure that no woman will be forced to live silently in the shadows as a victim of domestic violence. Of particular significance here in northern Minnesota are provisions that expand the sovereign authority of Tribal courts to prosecute non-native men accused of crimes on Indian reservations. On the whole, our great nation is a safer place thanks to this bill, and I am proud to have played a role in advancing its passage. Together, we made a difference.