Congressman Charles Bass

April 25, 2012

WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) today reiterated his support for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and urged House Leadership to bring legislation to the floor as soon as possible to reauthorize this important program.

Bass is the lead Republican cosponsor of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Health Initiative Act (H.R. 1578), which reauthorizes three existing health programs within VAWA that are designed to strengthen the health care system's response to and identification of victims through an enhanced public health response to abuse.

Bass said:

"The Violence Against Women Act is a key component of our public safety network and, since its inception in 1994, has played an important role in meeting the needs of victims. We need to ensure this safety net continues for individuals who have been victims of violence, and that's why it's vital that we reauthorize this program so law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, health professionals, educators, and service providers can continue to use VAWA programs to assist victims.

"I have long supported this program and that's why I signed on as an original cosponsor last year to a bipartisan bill to reauthorize key health programs within VAWA. Equipping our health professionals with the skills to recognize and properly treat victims can hopefully prevent them from becoming victims again.

"A reauthorization of this program is long overdue, and I'm pleased there is support on both sides of the aisle to move legislation forward. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that happens."

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