CONGRESSWOMAN EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

One Minute Speech: Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

  Mr. Speaker, the 113th Congress will not only need to work to further strengthen our country’s economic well being, we will also need to find solutions to make sure that all Americans are treated fairly and equally.  That’s why it is critical that Congress pass the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Re-authorization.

  Since its inception, VAWA has always been bipartisan.   Last April, the Senate passed a strong, bipartisan VAWA Re-authorization.  Unfortunately, the measure failed in the House, but it must pass in the 113th Congress.  The safety and security of American women should never be politicized and never has in the past. 

  It is my hope that we can put the politics of the last election aside, and get down to the business of legislating sensible policy for the American people.  We must reaffirm our commitment that women in the United States are offered all necessary legal protections.