2/28/13
Rep. Edwards released the following statement regarding House passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The legislation passed by a vote of 286-138 and will now go to President Obama to be signed into law.
“There is no question we should have reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) a year ago. However, for the sake of millions of victims of domestic violence, I am grateful House Republicans have finally joined Democrats in supporting the bipartisan Senate bill.
“VAWA is critical in the national effort to prevent and prosecute domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The law’s landmark comprehensive, effective, and cost-saving programs have also revolutionized the way in which victims receive support and services from law enforcement, shelters, and crisis hotlines. The legislation passed today provides the broad and comprehensive protections victims and providers deserve.
“However, it is a sad irony that as we reauthorize VAWA, we will take a sledge hammer to the already strapped budgets of our nation’s domestic violence shelters and service providers. As a result of Republican failure to stop sequestration, services these women rely on for their very lives and safety will be cut by $29 million. I urge Republicans to take up a balanced solution to these budget cuts and ensure that the VAWA reauthorization has the funds necessary to serve victims of domestic violence.”
