House Judiciary Committee Passes Adams' Reauthorization of VAWA

Statement

Representative Sandy Adams (FL-24) released the following statement after the House Judiciary Committee passed H.R. 4970, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012. The House's reauthorization is focused on the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, ensuring that they are the recipients of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) resources, not Washington bureaucrats.

"The Judiciary Committee's passage of the reauthorization of VAWA is a positive step forward for the victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As someone who has faced domestic violence and served in law enforcement for 17 years, the need for VAWA is clear to me. Since 1994, VAWA has been instrumental in bringing attention to an issue that was often underreported or not reported at all. The House's reauthorization is a victim-centered bill that goes beyond the Senate's version, S. 1925, to ensure that those in need are the recipients of VAWA resources, not Washington bureaucrats. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join the House in its efforts to reauthorize VAWA."

House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith (TX-21) had the following to say about Adams' bill:

"I congratulate Rep. Adams on the Committee's passage of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012 (H.R. 4970). I appreciate Rep. Adams' leadership on this important legislation to help protect victims of domestic violence.

"Since its enactment in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has helped many women escape abuse and enabled them to seek help through its victim-services program. H.R. 4970 reauthorizes VAWA for five years and increases resources for sexual assault investigations, prosecutions, and victim services to bring those resources into line with the victimization rate. The bill also strengthens penalties for abusers and promotes educational awareness to prevent violence. By reauthorizing VAWA, we can help victims of violence get the care they need and justice they deserve."

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