Linda Sánchez Applauds Passage of Violence Against Women Act (February 28, 2013)

Washington,D.C. – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-38) released thefollowing statement after the House passed S. 47, the Senate version of theViolence Against Women Act (VAWA) re-authorization.

"Iproudly voted to support the Violence Against Women Act, as drafted by theSenate. This strong, bipartisan bill provides all victims of domestic andsexual violence with the protection they deserve. America's women deserve theseprotections, regardless of immigration status, heritage, or sexualorientation.

"Assomeone who has seen the human face of domestic violence at women's shelters inmy district, I wish that strong protections for victims had gone into effectlast year. Instead, House Republicans insisted on a bill that would havecreated more hurdles for victims and made it easier for their abusers to escapeprosecution. I applaud the House for rejecting a similar piece of misguidedlegislation today, and I urge President Obama to sign the Violence AgainstWomen Act into law as soon as possible."

Oncesigned into law by President Obama, S. 47 will protect all victims of domesticand sexual violence, including Native Americans, immigrants, and the LGBTcommunity. Today, Congresswoman Sánchez voted against a House Republicansubstitute bill, which would have rolled back critical protections forAmerica's women.

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