Linda Sánchez Protects Domestic Violence Victims (May 16 2012)

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Linda Sánchez (CA-39) released the following statement today regarding H.R. 4970, a Republican bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which would roll back critical protections for America's women.

"This Republican bill dangerously leaves victims of domestic violence worse off than they are under current law. We should do everything we can to protect victims of domestic violence, and this bill does the opposite.

"The Senate passed a strong version of the Violence Against Women Act with broad, bipartisan support. Instead of crafting a bill of similar strength, House Republicans are rolling back crucial protections for abused victims throughout our country.

"This bill will make it more difficult for immigrant victims to work with law enforcement to prosecute violent criminals. This Republican bill pretends the LGBT community does not exist and would allow victim services organizations to discriminate against LGBT victims. Further, this Republican bill would endanger the lives of Native American women, who suffer abuse at epidemic proportions.

"America's women deserve better than a bill that puts women's lives at risk."

To see Congresswoman Sánchez' speech on the House floor regarding the Violence Against Women Act, click here.

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