After weeks of Republicans playing politics with the previously non-controversial Violence Against Women Act (e.g., Republicans didn’t want to help illegal OR legal Latino immigrants, and they specifically didn’t want to protect gays, lesbians and transgender people), the Senate this afternoon finally passed the bill. Check out Sen. Al Franken’s emotional speech in support of this legislation, and Tim Kaine’s statement (below) on its passage.
TIM KAINE STATEMENT ON THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT (VAWA)
Richmond, VA – Ahead of today’s Senate vote on the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Tim Kaine released the following statement:
“The reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is critical to preventing unacceptable sexual and domestic violence and holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes. It is time for the Congress to put politics aside and approve the reauthorization swiftly to ensure there is no lapse in this important initiative that aids victims and reduces violence.
“For more than a decade, the Violence Against Women Act has equipped law enforcement with tools to crack down on violence, updated laws that have made our communities safer, and led to increased reporting of domestic violence and abuse by more than 50 percent. Support for the measure has always been largely bipartisan. Unfortunately, because of the political agendas of a few, this important vote has experienced unnecessary delays. Our communities can’t wait on political games that stand in the way of approving these measures that make our streets safer.
“As Lieutenant Governor and Governor, I made it a priority to update our laws on sexual violence and improve the treatment of victims, and I will continue to actively support these measures as a Senator.”
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