WASHINGTON D.C. - Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge(OH-11) issued the following statement regarding her vote today against a weakened House version of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):

“For nearly two decades, this nation has charted a course to protect women and reduce the incidence of domestic abuse through the Violence Against Women Act.  It was reauthorized and strengthened over the years without controversy or a partisan agenda – until now.  House Republicans have insisted on producing a bill that puts victims of domestic violence in greater danger and excludes vulnerable populations from critical protections.  I cannot support a measure that chooses to protect some women and not others. “

Congresswoman Fudge also objected to House Republicans blocking an amendment that would have made women safer by preventing a victim’s suspected abuser from getting or being exposed to notice of the victim’s efforts to get help from law enforcement. The Congresswoman supports the bipartisan Senate VAWA reauthorization (S. 1925) that ensures all victims are assisted regardless of religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

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