Congresswoman Kuster Calls on House Leadership to Bring Bipartisan, Senate-Passed VAWA Reauthorization to a Vote

Press Release

Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today called on House leadership to bring the bipartisan, Senate-passed Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization to a vote on the House floor. In a strong bipartisan vote of 78 to 22, the Senate earlier today passed a VAWA Reauthorization bill that closely mirrors the bipartisan bill passed by the Senate in 2012.

"It's long past time to reauthorize VAWA," Kuster said. "It's been well over a year since VAWA was allowed to expire, and there is simply no excuse for further delay. Every day Congress fails to act is another day that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault go without the critical protections afforded by this legislation. With the Senate's strong, bipartisan vote today, it's time for House leadership to bring this important bill to a vote so that the President can sign it into law."

This bipartisan Senate-passed bill significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal Government, the States, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence get the protection they need -- including new protections for women in tribal communities, immigrants and members of the LGBT community.

Kuster is an original cosponsor of H.R. 11, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, which mirrors the legislation the Senate passed earlier today with Republican and Democratic support.

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