MSNBC "Hardball with Chris Matthews" - Transcript

Interview

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MATTHEWS: Susan Collins is a Republican from Maine, of course, and a cosponsor of the bill.

Welcome, Susan. Thank you, Senator, for coming on.

What do you make of the fight between the two parties on this? I know you`re with the majority who wanted to pass this bill? But what`s the Republican opposition about?

SEN. SUSAN COLLINS (R), MAINE: Well, first of all, I can`t believe that this issue is being used as a political football. It`s extremely important that we extend this law. And look at how this bill began, Chris. Originally, it was introduced by a Democratic senator, a liberal senator, Senator Leahy from Vermont, and a conservative Republican, Mike Crapo, from Idaho.

So how did this bill, which had such widespread, broad support end up being a political football? It`s really totally unacceptable.

MATTHEWS: Well, who is playing politics here? Who`s playing politics -- Democrats or Republicans?

COLLINS: Well, I have to say I truly think the Democrats are. And I say that as a supporter of the bill. As someone who represents a state where more than 50 percent of the murders every year are due to domestic violence. But this bill started out in a bipartisan way and it doesn`t make sense for Republicans to be opposing the violence against women act and they are not.

The bill has some controversial provisions in it. We should have a free and fair and open debate on the Senate floor and get the law extended.

MATTHEWS: I want you to respond to something here that was on "Politico" today, on Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer`s motives in this fight. Quote, "New York Senator Chuck Schumer believes he`s found a
political weapon in the unlikeliest of the places: the Violence Against Women Act. Republicans have objections, but instead of making changes, Schumer wants to fast track the bill to the floor and let the GOP block it. Then allow Democrats to accuse Republicans of waging a war against women."

Your reaction?

COLLINS: Well, unfortunately, while I can`t speak for Senator Schumer`s motives, that certainly seems to be what`s happening. I think that`s a real shame because this bill matters. It matters not only to
women, but to children and to men who are being battered. If you read Scott Brown`s book, for example, you know there are people growing up in terribly abusive households. So, it is important that e we extend these programs that are so helpful to so many.

MATTHEWS: OK. Thank you so much, Maine Senator Susan Collins.

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