Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act
VAWA saves lives, here in the Pacific Northwest and across the nation. It gives vital tools to prosecutors and powerful protections for victims of domestic violence. In 2006 I was proud to work with Senator Cantwell to make sure that the International Marriage Broker Regulation Act was included in the last reauthorization of VAWA. That effort helped make sure that women brought here through the mail order bride industry don't fall prey to serial abusers.
Recently, I met with domestic violence treatment experts and advocates in Bellingham. They told me how critical it is to reauthorize VAWA and expand its protections to other vulnerable communities not currently covered. That is exactly what I am trying to get Congress to do.
Reauthorizing VAWA has always been broadly bipartisan. This year, the same Republican majority that has been trying to roll back access to preventative healthcare for women and children is now playing partisan games with a law designed to protect victims of domestic violence.
I am fighting to make sure that we pass a strong Violence Against Women Act this year.
However, not everybody is on the same page. Recently, one of my Republican opponents posted this on their blog:
“The VAWA offers women both a 'tactical advantage' and a 'powerful weapon' when they want to 'get back' at a man, have regrets the next morning, or want out of a marriage for any reason at all."
You know where I stand, but I need your help. We can’t continue to hold up critical bills because of extremist views. Will you help me continue to stand up to House Republicans by helping me win in November?
Help me send a message to my opponents and House Republicans by showing them we will not allow women’s health or safety to become a partisan issue.
Thanks for your support,
Rick Larsen
