Franklin Statement on Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

Statement

Representative Franklin (R-FL) issued the following statement regarding House passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act:

"Ending violence against women should never be a partisan issue. Sadly, a critical priority that has long been addressed in a thoughtful, bipartisan way has now been coopted by the far left. Democrats have again fast-tracked a bill to the House floor bypassing the proper committee process that allows amendments and thoughtful debate. ­­This lack of transparency is a huge disservice to the American people and will have potentially negative impacts on victims of abuse. These harmful provisions include:

- Reducing funds set aside for combatting violent crimes, negatively impacting law enforcement's ability to respond properly.

- Promoting "restorative practices" requiring victims to confront their abuser face-to-face rather than therapy under the care of a certified clinician.

"Additionally, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, which is intended to protect survivors of stalking and domestic abuse, denies faith-based exemptions for grant recipients, prohibiting religious organizations from running shelters and legal aid centers based on their conscience and sincerely held beliefs--which could force many help centers to close.

"Congress must work to provide thoughtful solutions to help vulnerable women. That's why I support H.R. 1892, the Violence Against Women Extension Act, which reinstates key programs and ensures that women receive needed help rather than this radical agenda proposed by Democrats. I urge my Senate colleagues to reject this liberal proposal."

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