WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Lois Capps decried the severe cuts to critical programs created by the Violence Against Women Act proposed by the President’s Fiscal Year 2009 budget.  Capps cited the $120 million in cuts to programs that combat domestic violence, rape and sexual assault as particularly harmful for women and children.

“I am deeply disturbed by the Bush Administration’s proposed $120 million cut to life-saving programs created by the Violence Against Women Act,” said Capps.  “I am appalled that the President would propose gutting these essential programs that combat domestic violence, rape, and sexual assault in our communities.  These cuts would be devastating for domestic violence and sexual assault services on the South and Central Coasts and would harm countless women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.  Like so many of the other funding proposals in the President’s Budget, this funding cut for domestic violence is painfully short-sighted.  I am committed to protecting these critical programs for domestic violence survivors and will work to stop the President’s awful proposal.”

Congresswoman Lois Capps is a registered nurse and a Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Health.  She serves as Chair of the Democratic Women’s Working Group which is dedicated to leading the fight in Congress for policies that ensure equality and opportunity for all women.

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.