Capito Urges House To Pass VAWA

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and 17 Republican colleagues sent a letter to Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor urging the House of Representatives to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

"Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act continues to be a top priority for me. As the former president of a YWCA that is a leader in combating domestic violence, this is an issue I care very deeply about. Especially in communities like West Virginia where victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in rural and remote communities face unique obstacles in their efforts to escape abusive and dangerous relationships, support provided by VAWA can literally be lifesaving," stated Capito. "I am urging House leaders to immediately reauthorize this essential Act."

Capito individually sent a letter to Majority Leader Eric Cantor in February, urging him to bring a VAWA bill to the floor.

BACKGROUND

Since it was enacted in 1994, Congress has twice reauthorized VAWA. The most recent authorization of appropriations for VAWA programs expired in FY2011; however, these programs have continued to receive funding.

Last Congress, Capito was named a conferee on the bipartisan, bicameral committee charged with reconciling differences between House and Senate versions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Unfortunately, the Conference did not come to a consensus.

Source