WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) issued the following statement after the House today passed the Senate version of legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):

“The long and needless delays are over.  Our nation can once again be proud of the fact that we have strong and bipartisan legislation to protect all victims of domestic violence.  I was honored to cast my vote for reauthorization of the Senate passed version (S. 47) of the Violence Against Women Act.  The version passed today by the House recognizes the importance of giving law enforcement the tools they need to prosecute offenders and protect victims of violence from partners regardless of where they live, whom they date, or where they were born.”

“First enacted by Congress in 1994,  the Violence Against Women Act gives the Federal Government, the States, law enforcement, and service providers the authority and resources they need to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.  The newly passed measure also includes provisions to ensure that all victims of domestic violence receive the protection they need – extending protections for tribal members, immigrants and members of the LGBT community. ”

A weakened version of VAWA introduced by House Republicans was defeated earlier today, clearing the way for a vote on the Senate version of the bill that passed in the House by a vote of 286-138.  The bill now goes to President.

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