Congressman Keith Ellison Opposes Republican Bill That Weakens The Violence Against Women Act

Press Release

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) today voted against a version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) that erases several key protections that made the landmark law one of the most successful public safety laws ever passed.

VAWA, first passed in 1994, is the first law designed to prevent domestic violence and was championed by Minnesota's celebrated Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife Sheila. The Act has highlighted the need to be vigilant against domestic and sexual violence and has delivered crucial resources States and local communities badly need to fight these crimes.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports violence against women has been cut in half since VAWA became law in 1994.

Unfortunately, the House bill reverses protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals and for women living on Native American tribal lands. Three of five Native women experience domestic violence in their lifetimes, according to national statistics, and Minnesota is home to 12 federally recognized Native American tribes.

This Republican version of the bill also would roll back protections for immigrants who are victims of serious crimes, stripping a key tool from law enforcement. It also will allow uncorroborated abuser-provided evidence to be used against an immigrant victim to deny protection.

"It is unconscionable to consider reversing any of these protections," said Rep. Ellison. "VAWA is working. The number of domestic violence and sexual assault crimes has fallen. Rather than work to eradicate these crimes, this version removes protections for many victims and puts them in greater danger. It would be an insult to women, and to the legacy of Paul and Sheila Wellstone, to support this version of the bill."

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