Time running out for Violence Against Women Act
WASHINGTON _ The Violence Against Women Act will expire at the end of September if lawmakers don't act on a bill to extend the protections introduced by Democrats just before the House leaves town for August recess.
Congress first passed the landmark domestic violence law in 1993 and most recently reauthorized it in 2013. Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., urged House Republicans not to hold up the new proposal by "playing politics."
When House lawmakers return in September, they'll have just 11 legislative days before the law lapses. In 2013, conservatives in the House GOP caucus opposed the bill after leadership brought the Senate version to the floor without committee consideration in the House. Hoyer, a co-sponsor of the original 1993 bill, invited Republicans to join Democrats in backing this iteration.
"Some wanted an extension, but we knew we had to answer the pain of many women," said Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, sponsor of the reauthorization measure.
The new proposal would make changes to the existing law, not just extend the same protections. The bill includes provisions to help victims of domestic violence and stalking stay in stable housing situations, barring evictions based on the actions of an abuser.
_CQ Roll Call
