Hoyer Statement on Senate Passage of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement today after the Senate passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act:

"Today, the Senate once again passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act with a strong bipartisan vote of 78-22, and it is now up to the House to follow suit.  I was proud to have cosponsored the original Violence Against Women Act in 1994, and the Senate was right to move swiftly with this set of improvements to the Act, which are strongly supported by law enforcement and those who provide essential services to victims of domestic violence.  The bill that now comes to the House will do more to protect immigrants, LGBT Americans, and those living on Native American tribal lands.  I was disappointed that the House did not pass the Senate's bipartisan bill last year, and I urge the House Republican leadership to change course and bring this bill to the Floor for a vote right away."