Rangel Lauds Passage Of Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Today, Congressman Charles B. Rangel applauded the passage of S.47, the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 2013, following the failure of the partisan and discriminatory proposal put forth this week by House Republicans. With House Democrats pushing for a stronger, more comprehensive reauthorization, the Senate's version passed the House by a vote of 286-138, and is now on its way to the White House for the President's signature.

"I am glad that the House GOP has finally come to understand the importance of all victims of domestic violence receiving critical protections. We cannot exclude specific groups of women from receiving basic protections under the law," said Rangel, who was a staunch supporter of VAWA reauthorization in the last Congress.

In January, House Democrats introduced H.R 11, a strong VAWA Reauthorization bill that is the companion to S. 47, the bipartisan Senate bill, which Rangel co-sponsored. The bill reauthorizes a 1994 law that gave various protections and assistance to women facing domestic abuse.

The measure ultimately passed by both chambers extends the law's crucial protections to LGBT, Native American and immigrant victims, providing for more rape kits as well as a national registry of forensic evidence from sexual assault cases, strengthening criminal anti-trafficking statutes, providing for temporary housing for victims, and addressing domestic violence on American college campuses.

"America's women have waited for too long. House Republicans allowed VAWA to expire more than 500 days ago," said Rangel. "It's never too late to do the right thing. This bipartisan VAWA bill will now help ensure that no woman would be forced to suffer in silence in the face of domestic violence and sexual assault. The reauthorization of this VAWA is a victory for all women in America, regardless of their background or community."

BACKGROUND:

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA Reauthorization) 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.

VAWA has improved the criminal justice system's ability to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable. As a result of this historic legislation, every state has enacted laws making stalking a crime and strengthened criminal rape statutes. The annual incidence of domestic violence has dropped more than 50% since VAWA became law.

Key benefits include:

Renews Successful Programs - This bill reauthorizes important programs - including STOP Grants, Grants to Encourage Arrest Policies and Enforcement of Protection Orders Program, Transitional Housing Assistance Grants, legal assistance for victims, and youth prevention programs - that have helped law enforcement keep victims safe and hold perpetrators accountable.

Consolidation - VAWA Reauthorization consolidates 13 existing programs into four to reduce administrative costs and avoid duplication.

Reduced Authorization - This legislation reduces authorizations by 17 percent from the 2005 reauthorization. It reduces or keeps even the authorization for every VAWA program, eliminates or consolidates several, and adds only one small new grant program.

Accountability - VAWA Reauthorization incorporates new accountability provisions, including strict new audit requirements, enforcement mechanisms, restrictions on grantees' executive compensation and investments and their administrative costs - all aimed to ensure that VAWA funds are used wisely and efficiently.

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