In 2012 and 2013, Senator Chuck Grassley refused to support the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization, which provides lifesaving protections to women and families across the country. On the 21st anniversary of the passage of VAWA, Iowa voters still find it unacceptable that their senator voted against supporting the recovery of domestic violence victims.
“Republicans in Congress have shown their complete disregard for women’s livelihoods and health, calling for the defunding of Planned Parenthood, the top women’s health provider in the nation, and opposing important equal pay and family leave legislation. Nothing is more shameful than their opposition — including Senator Chuck Grassley’s — to VAWA. Despite more than 72,000 domestic violence hotline calls, Senator Grassley still voted no to provide critically important funding for these victims,” said American Bridge President Jessica Mackler.
Background:
2013: Grassley Voted Against A Reauthorization Of The Violence Against Women Act That Included Protections For Immigrants, LGBT Populations And Native Americans. In February 2013, Grassley voted against the 2013 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which, according to Politico, “include[d] protections for illegal immigrants, Native Americans and people in same-sex relationships.” According to The Washington Post, “First authorized in 1994, the bill provides $660 million over the next five years for programs that provide legal assistance, transitional housing, counseling and support hotlines to victims of rape and domestic abuse.” The Senate passed the measure by a vote of 78 to 22. The house passed the Senate’s version of the bill February 28, 2013. The president signed the bill March 7, 2013 and it became Public Law 113-004. [Senate Vote 19, 2/12/13; Politico, 3/7/13; The Washington Post, 3/7/13; Public Law 113-004, 3/7/13]
2012: Grassley Voted Against Reauthorizing The Violence Against Women Act. In April 2012, Grassley voted against the proposed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012 (VAWA), which expanded the protections offered by the original 1994 Act and later extensions of it. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 68 to 31. A version of VAWA passed the House in May 2012, but the chambers were unable to reconcile their differing bills. [Senate Vote 87, 4/26/12; All Congressional Actions, S.1925; All Congressional Actions, H.R. 4970]
In 2010, Iowa Domestic Violence Programs Answered 72,033 Hotline Calls. [Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Accessed 9/11/15]
Published: Sep 14, 2015