Hoyer Statement on Republican Refusal to Introduce Bipartisan Senate-passed Violence Against Women Act

Statement

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after Republicans refused to introduce the bipartisan, Senate-passed reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act:

"Today, House Republicans have again chosen partisanship over working together by refusing to take up the bipartisan, Senate-passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Instead, they have put forward a partisan bill that does not offer to all communities the strong protections needed to protect victims of rape, domestic violence, and human trafficking. The Senate-passed bill contains critical measures to safeguard those who have suffered from violence in some of our most vulnerable populations, including immigrants, Native American women, and members of the LGBT community.

"As a proud cosponsor of the original Violence Against Women Act in 1994, I am disappointed that the Republican leadership has decided to go down this road after the Senate came together in a strong bipartisan vote of 78-22. It was up to the House to follow suit, but once again partisan politics has taken the place of sound policymaking. This is a step in the wrong direction, and I remain committed, along with my Democratic colleagues, to do all in our power to help law enforcement prevent these forms of violence and empower all victims of domestic violence."

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