Congressman Yarmuth Calls on House Leadership to Bring Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization for a Vote

Press Release

Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) called on House Republican Leadership to immediately bring to the Floor and approve the Violence

Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization, which easily passed the Senate earlier today in a bipartisan vote.

"It has been 501 days since House Republicans allowed the Violence Against Women Act to expire," Congressman Yarmuth said. "This law is a critical tool for women, families, and communities to reduce domestic violence, support and empower victims, and strengthen law enforcement. There is no excuse for further delay -- House Republican Leadership should bring VAWA to the Floor for a vote immediately."

On Tuesday, the Senate passed S. 47 -- a strong, comprehensive VAWA Reauthorization bill -- by a bipartisan vote of 78 to 22. The Senate bill significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The legislation also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection they need -- including providing new protections, based on findings from experts in the field, for tribal members, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community.

S. 47 is similar to legislation that passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 31 in April 2012. House Republican leaders failed to bring that legislation to the Floor for a vote last year.

On January 22, Congressman Yarmuth and other House Democrats introduced H.R. 11, a VAWA Reauthorization identical to the Senate bill. The House legislation has 194 Democratic cosponsors.

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