Bice: Partisan Politics Can't Stand in the Way of Addressing Domestic Violence Issues

Statement

Congresswoman Stephanie Bice released the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 1620, the Violence Against Women Act.

"I voted yesterday to support H.R. 1620, to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). While I am frustrated that this is not a more bipartisan bill, the funding provisions in this act are critical to numerous organizations that assist victims of domestic violence in my district. The pandemic and resulting economic crises have only increased the risk of abuse and the needs of all people who may find themselves in domestic violence situations.

"For the state of Oklahoma, this bill also includes vitally needed language to ensure that Tribal governments have the tools needed to combat violence and abuse against Native American women and children.

"For those concerned with the firearm provision in this legislation, know that I have always supported Second Amendment rights for law-abiding citizens and that will never change. The VAWA reauthorization states that individuals convicted of stalking or violence against a dating partner can be prohibited from obtaining firearms.

"But I can't in good conscience vote to deny domestic assault victims, or the organizations who serve them -- including the YWCA of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Assault, and so many others -- the funding they need in favor of partisan politics."

Source