Vera House Executive Director Randi Bregman to Join Rep. John Katko for State of the Union Address

Press Release

U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) will this evening be joined for the President's State of the Union address by Randi Bregman, Executive Director of Vera House, Inc. in Syracuse, New York.

The mission of Vera House, Inc. is to prevent, respond to and partner to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse. This past fall, alongside Bregman, members of the team and board at Vera House, and survivors, Rep. Katko urged a bipartisan and comprehensive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Since being signed into law in 1994, VAWA has helped to protect and support millions of Americans who have faced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. The measure is currently temporarily funded, and set to expire on Friday, February 15, 2019.

"Randi is a tremendous advocate in our community against domestic violence and sexual assault. It has been an honor to partner with her to urge a bipartisan, long-term and comprehensive reauthorization of VAWA and I am privileged to have her as my guest for the State of the Union this evening," said Rep. Katko. "VAWA is an essential program that allows Vera House, and organizations nationwide, to provide services for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and to work to change the conversation and prevent violence going forward. It is far past time that we have a long-term and reliable reauthorization of VAWA."

Vera House Inc., Executive Director Randi Bregman said, "I am deeply honored to be invited to attend the State of the Union as Congressman Katko's guest, and I am particularly pleased that the invitation will include the opportunity to have thoughtful and intentional dialogue with him and others about ensuring passage of a comprehensive, bi-partisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act."

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