But these existing laws are not being fully enforced. Let s urge the enforcement of existing laws. Let s enact legislation to improve existing law. Once we have exhausted these legislative avenues, then we can consider whether a constitutional amendment is appropriate. But let s do it one step at a time.
Statutes protecting victims are on the books in each and every state.
Amendments to state constitutions have been adopted by at least 31 states. At the federal level, prudent legislation has already been enacted. And additional statutory protections for victims have been introduced this Congress by the Chairman, as well as the ranking member and Senator Kennedy. I think that s the right direction. Senator Hatch has introduced the Victims Rights Act of 1999 and Senators Leahy and Kennedy introduced the Crime Victims Assistance Act.