Senator Murray Statement on Senate Passage of VAWA

(Washington, D.C.)  – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray released the following statement after the United States Senate passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA) by a vote of 78-22.

“Today marks an important step to renew our national commitment to ending domestic violence and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. However, the clock is still ticking and over 160 million women across the country are watching and waiting to see if the House will act on this bill and finally provide them the protections from violence they deserve. And just like last Congress, we all know it will take leadership from Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor to move this bill forward. The fate of VAWA still lies squarely on their shoulders and too many women have been left vulnerable while they have played politics. Thankfully, we’re beginning to see reasonable House Republicans join their colleagues in the Senate and come out in support of this bipartisan legislation. I am confident this bill could pass the House if Republican leadership brings it up for a vote on behalf of victims all across America who can’t wait one more day. Because who a person loves, where they live, or their immigration status shouldn’t determine whether they are protected from violence.”