Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act

Floor Speech

Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, since 1994 Congress has expanded and reauthorized the landmark Violence Against Women Act numerous times in a bipartisan manner. It is unfortunate that the Republican leadership in the House has deviated from tradition with this bill.

This bill not only strips important provisions that were passed in the Senate by a bipartisan vote of 68 31, but also weakens preventive provisions that have been included in previous bills reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which were supported by Democrats and Republicans over the past 18 years. The Senate's comprehensive reauthorization bill improves protections for Native American women, immigrants, and ensures all victims are assisted regardless of religion or sexual orientation. I support the Senate's bipartisan approach to the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization bill. I cosponsored a version of the bill in the House of Representatives. I also voted to bring the Senate bill up for a vote in the House, but the Republican leadership blocked all amendments and the opportunity to vote on the Senate version.

House Republicans have brought to the floor today a controversial bill that will weaken long-standing protections and roll back key provisions. This is the first time the Violence Against Women Act has become political and it is shame. More than 300 groups have opposed aspects of this bill. Those groups include the National Network to End Domestic Violence, National Coalition Against Domestic Violence National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, Break the Cycle, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, National Organization for Women, YWCA USA, AAUW, Business and Professional Women's Foundation, National Women's Law Center, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, American Bar Association, Human Rights Campaign, NAACP, National Congress of American Indians, National Council of La Raza, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church. I believe that Congress should stand up for all victims of domestic violence and support a comprehensive reauthorization bill.

I hope the House rejects this bill today and immediately passes the Senate's Violence Against Women Act reauthorization bill. I will monitor the progress of this bill in conference with the Senate. I am hopeful that future changes and improvements will give me a chance to vote on an acceptable alternative.

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