Hoyer Statement on Senate Passage of Reauthorization of the

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Hoyer Statement on Senate Passage of Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act


WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the Senate passed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act:
“As someone who was proud to cosponsor the original Violence Against Women Act in 1994, I commend the Senate for taking action to reauthorize this landmark legislation. The Senate bill, which contains provisions strongly supported by law enforcement and advocates for victims of domestic violence, passed with a strong bipartisan vote of 68-31, while a substitute amendment that would have imposed barriers to services for certain groups of victims failed. It is now up to the House to act on this bipartisan bill.
“This legislation will give law enforcement additional resources to prosecute those who perpetrate acts of violence against women, and it will provide further resources for victims so they can heal and live once more without fear for their lives or safety. Sadly, one of every three women in our country have experienced stalking, sexual assault, or violence by a partner, and we ought to do all we can to strengthen the Violence Against Women Act and work toward reducing that number to zero.
“I thank Rep. Gwen Moore for her work on this issue and introducing a bill in the House similar to the one that passed the Senate today, and I call on the House Republican leadership to take up the Senate bill quickly so that we can send it to President Obama for his signature.”



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