Washington, DC – Congressman Jim Himes (CT-4) today called upon the House Republican leadership to quickly bring up and pass the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization.  Yesterday, the Senate passed S. 47, a bill to reauthorize VAWA, by a bipartisan vote of 78 to 22.

“Helping the victims of domestic violence is not a political issue—it is a moral issue,” said Himes. “Over 500 days after VAWA expired, it is long past time to provide the victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and sexual assault with the resources they need. I am encouraged by the Senate’s strong, bipartisan vote to reauthorize VAWA yesterday, and I urge my colleagues in the House to act quickly in sending this bill to the President’s desk.”

This bipartisan Senate-passed bill significantly strengthens the ability of the federal government, the states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  It also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection they need – including providing new protections for tribal members, immigrants, and members of the LGBT community.

On January 22, Himes and other House Democrats introduced H.R. 11, a VAWA Reauthorization identical to the Senate bill.  H.R. 11 currently has 194 Democratic cosponsors.