Faso Helps Introduce Legislation to Extend Violence Against Women Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman John Faso (R-Kinderhook) joined Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) in introducing the Violence Against Women Extension Act – a six-month extension of the expiring provisions of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Congressman Faso was previously part of an effort urging House Leadership to take action on this critical legislation before the September 30th deadline.
“VAWA programs are instrumental in increasing awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, improving services and support available to victims, and enhancing law enforcement training and response to these crimes,”said Congressman Faso. “For the safety of our communities, to continue protecting and supporting survivors, we must not allow VAWA to expire. This six-month extension of the legislation is critical, and I remain committed to working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to pass a long-term reauthorization.”
“I am pleased to be joined by my colleagues on this important effort to stand up to domestic violence and extend this crucial legislation for six months as we work to pass a long-term reauthorization,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “VAWA provides lifesaving services to communities across the country and it’s critical that Congress act quickly given there are only six legislative days until it expires. This is an issue that affects every district in the country and I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion on a long-term reauthorization for VAWA. I urge House Leadership to swiftly bring this bill up for vote.”
“Congress must continue to aggressively combat domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking by swiftly reauthorizing the bipartisan Violence Against Women Act (VAWA),” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “While there is still considerable work to be done, VAWA has drastically improved our nation’s response to safeguarding women and children from abuse and anguish. A six-month extension provides Congress the opportunity to hold hearings and make improvements to VAWA without threatening critical existing programs. I urge House Leadership to bring up this extension for a vote immediately.”
VAWA was originally enacted into law in 1994, and its current authorization is set to expire September 30, 2018. Programs authorized under VAWA are focused on offering support for survivors, increasing prevention efforts, expanding educational awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, implementing training for health professionals and law enforcement, and coordinating responses across agencies.
Full bill text is available here.
