Sen. Daniel Akaka on Tuesday spoke at a press conference and a rally for more inclusive protections in the Violence Against Women Act.

He and others have complained that the act doesn’t protect women in tribal communities, where response to crimes is based on whether the perpetrator is Native American. 

“A woman’s safety should not depend on where she lives, or on the identity of her attacker,” Akaka said in prepared remarks. “But present federal law has created a jurisdictional maze in Indian Country, effectively giving non-Indian offenders a free pass for crimes committed against women on reservations.”

There to show his support for Akaka was singer/songwriter Michael Bolton (“yes, THE Michael Bolton,” an Akaka spokesman wrote in an email to DC808).

Here’s a snapshot, courtesy of the senator’s office: 

And a video of Akaka’s comments:

Related: Last December, Sen. Daniel Inouye spent an evening with Bono and Alicia Keys.