Topic: Violence Against Women
Senator: Biden
Date: SEPTEMBER 13, 2005
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BIDEN: Let me go on to my next question: violence against women. I realize it's a bit of a hobby horse for me, since I wrote the legislation.
BIDEN: And I know people say they wrote things. I mean, I actually did write that my little old self, with my staff. And no one liked it, I might add, at first; women's groups or anybody else.
But in 1999, you said, in response to a question -- you were on a show, it was 1999, you were talking about a number of things. And you said, and I quote, "You know, we've gotten to a point these days where we think the only way we can show we're serious about a problem is if we pass a federal law, whether it's the Violence Against Women Act or anything else.
"The fact of the matter is conditions are different in different states. And state laws are more relevant is, I think, exactly the right term. More attuned to different situations in New York as opposed to Minnesota. And that's what the federal system is based upon."
Judge, tell me how a guy beating up his wife in Minnesota is any different condition in New York.
ROBERTS: Senator, I was not speaking specifically to any piece of legislation there. That was making...
BIDEN: Well, you mentioned Violence Against Women.
ROBERTS: That was the issue that had come up on the show. And the general issue that was being addressed is a question of federalism.
I think it was part of the genius of the founding fathers to establish a federal system, with a national government to address issues of national concern; state and local government more close to the people to address issues of state and local concern. Obviously, issues of overlap as well.
I was not expressing the view on any particular piece of legislation. And I think the statement you read...
BIDEN: Well, let me ask you...
ROBERTS: ... confirms that.
BIDEN: OK.
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