Rep. Negrete McLeod Statement on the House Passing Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) delivered a floor speech shortly after having voted for Senate Bill 47, the Violence Against Women Act, which passed the House and now awaits President Obama's signature. This bill significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal Government, the states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also includes added protections for LGBT individuals, Native American and immigrant women.

"I thank my colleagues for voting today for a common sense piece of legislation known as the Violence Against Women Act," explained Rep. Negrete McLeod. "This landmark legislation comes on the eve of looming budget cuts that would have a devastating impact on domestic violence prevention programs throughout California already operating on tight budgets."

In a recent report released by the Obama Administration, it estimates that automatic trigger cuts, also known as the Sequester set to take place Friday, will account for $795,000 in cuts in one year alone to services that help victims of domestic violence in California. This, according to the report, would account for approximately 3,000 fewer victims being served.

Rep. Negrete McLeod further stated in her floor speech, "Although we have made significant strides towards safeguarding all women by passing this important bill, we must ensure that we continue to strengthen those programs by avoiding the Sequester."

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