rudolpho ania has been a prolific writer and a dedicated teacher. he has made a lasting contribution to american arts and letters. i'm pleased today to congratulate him on the 40th anniversary of "bless me ultima" and i wish him the very best in his future endeavors. mr. president, i would note the absence of a quorum. the presiding officer: the clerk will call the roll. quorum call: mr. bennet: mr. president. the presiding officer: the senator from colorado. mr. bennet: i would ask that the quorum call be vitiated. the presiding officer: without objection. mr. bennet: mr. president, i rise today to talk about the importance of the passage of the violence against women act. as a husband and as a father of three young daughters, this issue is especially personal to me. this piece of legislation provides extremely valuable federal resources to help victims of domestic and sexual violence rebuild their lives, whether it comes in the form of an emergency shelter, legal assistance, a crisis hotline or advocacy, this bill provides the assistance that vict