Letter to Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Boehner

Letter

U.S. Senator Dean Heller (R-NV) sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) urging them to settle differences and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The Violence Against Women Act provides vital services for victims and their dependents, helping those affected by domestic violence find safety and opportunities to rebuild their lives. In April, Senator Heller spoke on the Senate floor in support of VAWA. Heller was the critical 60th cosponsor of the VAWA reauthorization effort in the Senate.

Full text of the letter:

May 31, 2012

The Honorable Harry Reid
United States Senate
S-221, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20510

The Honorable John Boehner
United States House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Majority Leader Reid and Speaker Boehner,

I write to encourage congressional leadership to convene a timely and productive Conference Committee that will resolve differences between the Senate and House versions of legislation reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

The Senate legislation, which enjoyed broad bipartisan support, contains many important provisions that make a tremendous difference in our communities. Organizations that bring relief to women and children in abusive or dangerous situations rely on VAWA funds, as do the law enforcement agencies that keep our most vulnerable populations safe.

While I understand the concerns about moving forward to a Conference Committee that have been detailed in recent news reports, I believe that House and Senate leaders can reach a mutually agreeable resolution without further delay if we remember the importance of this legislation in the lives of those who face abuse. As a supporter and cosponsor of this legislation, I hope you will move forward and allow conferees to develop a bill that will further the important goal of reducing violence in all its forms. This bipartisan effort is an example of how Members of Congress should be working together to solve the problems facing our nation and protect those who have no voice.

I look forward to sending a strong VAWA reauthorization measure to the President and believe it will truly make a difference in the lives of countless women in our states and throughout the nation.

Sincerely,

DEAN HELLER
U.S. Senator

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