Following Bipartisan Senate Action, Kilmer Calls For Quick House Passage of Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization

Press Release

Following the Senate passage of a strong, bipartisan Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, Representative Derek Kilmer called for the House to quickly consider and pass the bipartisan Senate-passed bill. Representative Kilmer is a co-sponsor of H.R. 11, a Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization almost identical to the Senate-passed bill.

"As the father of two young girls, I believe that no woman should ever be forced to feel unsafe or insecure in her own home and no woman should ever suffer in silence in the face of domestic violence," said Representative Kilmer. "It has been 501 days since Congress allowed the Violence Against Women Act to expire. We can't wait any longer. There's no excuse for denying domestic violence protections to any woman including Native women, immigrant women, or women in same-sex relationships. I've been to reservations and heard just how important this issue is for Native women and their families. The House should quickly take up this strong, bipartisan bill. We have to get this done."

Based on feedback from our law enforcement officers and community leaders, the Senate-passed bill and House bill co-sponsored by Representative Kilmer significantly strengthen the ability of law enforcement and service providers to combat domestic violence. The bills also include provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection they need -- including providing new protections for tribal members, immigrants and members of the LGBT community.

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