Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. DOGGETT. Madam Speaker, a movement led by the Texas Council on Family Violence, and so many other advocates, first won passage of the Violence Against Women Act and brought the National Domestic Violence Hotline to Austin, which has now offered 5 million lifesaving responses. This act brought much-needed funding and hope to women across America who led coalitions.

Yet, the scourge of violence has continued. In San Antonio, a Collaborative led by Judges Monique Diaz and Peter Sakai has supplemented incredible Family Services led by Marta Peleaz and Patricia Castillo's PEACE initiative. I have joined them for two town halls to listen, learn, and respond.

In Austin, Kelly White and Julia Spann continue the Safe Alliance, as Maria Johnson expands the Hays-Caldwell Center. But too many violent beatings have turned into killings. Because this reauthorization would close ``the boyfriend loophole,'' denying a gun to an abusive partner, the NRA and its Congressional Republican allies have been blocking renewal.

Today, we call on them to choose life, to recommit to VAWA, and foster a society where every person is treated with dignity.

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