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Larson Calls on House to Vote on and Pass the Violence Against Women Act

February 12, 2013

Washington - Today Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) called on House Republican Leadership to vote on and pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Earlier today, by a vote of 78-22, the Senate passed a bill identical to the VAWA reauthorization introduced by House Democrats last month.

"Today the Senate demonstrated wide, bipartisan support for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act," said Larson. "For years the programs and services made possible by this legislation have proven to be effective in preventing domestic violence in our communities. Now, as we bolster our efforts to end violence across this country, House Republican Leadership has yet another opportunity to vote on this critical legislation. We must vote on and pass this act to ensure the programs and services it provides can continue to make our communities safer as we work to end violence in all its forms."

In January House Democrats reintroduced the Violence Against Women Act for the 113th Congress. First passed in 1994, VAWA provided funding and services for victims of domestic violence, and established new penalties for crimes related to domestic violence and violence against women. VAWA expired at the end of 2012 after passing with strong bipartisan support in the Senate last Congress.

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Issues:Human Rights