President Obama talks with Sen. Chris Dodd and other guests before signing the “CAPTA Reauthorization Act of 2010,” (Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act) in the Oval Office, Dec. 20. (Photo by Pete Souza)
Lynn Rosenthal (White House Advisor on Violence Against Women): This afternoon, I stood in the Oval Office and watched as President Obama signed the reauthorization of the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) which includes the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA.) As he signed this crucial bill into law, the President was surrounded by Senators and Representatives, both Democrats and Republicans, and national advocates who work every day to end domestic violence and child abuse.
In 2008, 772,000 children were victims of abuse and neglect. Nearly 2,000 of those children died. By providing states and local communities with new tools to identify and treat abuse and neglect, CAPTA-funded services will continue to protect children across the country…..
….Thanks to the bi-partisan work of members of Congress who were with us today, CAPTA and FVPSA will help end abuse, give hope to victims, and provide families with the help they need, when they need it. As we gathered in the Oval Office, I was thinking of the many abuse survivors I have met over the year. This bill creates a bright future for victims and their families.
The Obama Diary 
And more good news, Chip: Dems reach magic number on arms treaty as GOP support builds http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/134551-gop-senators-concede-start-will-win-enough-votes-to-pass-handing-victory-to-obama
And surprise, surprise, the Senate quietly passed the Food Safety Bill last night! http://thepacker.com/UPDATED–Senate-passes-food-safety-bill-in-Sunday-surprise/Article.aspx?oid=1292695&fid=PACKER-TOP-STORIES&aid=634
And lookey here: Victory! Senate Passes Shark Finning Bill http://na.oceana.org/en/blog/2010/12/victory-senate-passes-shark-finning-bill?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sharks
Hee hee! I must’ve misunderstood the meaning of “lame duck” session. 🙂
Wow, wow, wow!!!!! If that duck is lame, I’d love to see one that waddles comfortably!
Brilliant links Hachikō, thank you!
Isn’t it great! Dems know this is their last oppty to get these things done before the teabaggers take over the place in January. 🙂
Thanks for the news about the START Treaty, Hachikō. I was very worried that the republicans would not ratify it before this session of Congress ends, solely because President Obama brokered it, and they do not want to hand him another victory. So much for republicans’ dedication to national security when they would drag their feet on such an important piece of legislation. I saw a poll earlier this month that shows that the majority of Americans think that the Senate should ratify the treaty. My opinion of the republicans in Congress is very, very, very low, and the recent polls on congressional approval show it.
I’m a bit concerned about the GOP votes for START. WHAT have they asked in return ?? Because I’m far from sure they’re voting yes just because it’s the right thing to do.
Or, MAYBE, MAYBE, there has been a miracle and some republicans have had it with the sillyness and cynicism of McCain and Kyl and they’ve found back their independance and their decency.
Voting against ratification would be political suicide, and even the most delusional members of the U.S. Senate know it. That’s why they are trying so hard to force amendments which would effectively derail the treaty without having to vote against the treaty itself. So far, they have not succeeded in getting these amendments adopted, and slowly their efforts are runnng out of steam as more Republicans announce their support for ratification. As has been the case all along, there are no easy victories – only a slow and painful process to get even the most crucial issues resolved. It remains to be seen how the new Congress will operate – it could get worse before it gets better.
We have to brace ourselves for what’s coming in January. The republicans in the House will use their power to hold financing of President Obama’s initiatives. Health Care Reform for example.
Add to that many incompetent and crazy people in position of power on the different House committees.
It’s going to be a bumpy ride, that’s for sure.
Thank you President Obama!!!