WASHINGTON, DC – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley released the following statement after the U.S. Senate approved a bipartisan reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):
“The Violence Against Women Act has been an extremely successful tool in fighting violence and abuse in our communities, and it is unacceptable that Congress has allowed it to lapse. Oregon’s women and families are counting on us to act. The renewal of a strong VAWA today in the U.S. Senate is a great step forward, but without action from the House, these important tools to protect women and children in their own homes will not be available.
“I have heard directly from Oregon prosecutors and women’s advocates about the critical need to renew this legislation. The House should take up and pass the Senate bill without delay.”
Last week, Merkley spoke with Oregon prosecutors about the urgent need to pass a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
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