Immediate Release
April 4, 2019
Press Contact: [email protected] 

IWF VOICES SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT HOUSE-PASSED VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT REAUTHORIZATION 

Washington, DC — Independent Women’s Forum Senior Advisor Andrea Bottner released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives vote this morning to pass the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019:

“This latest reauthorization of VAWA shows how far the law has strayed from its original purpose. This law was supposed to combat violence against women and protect. Now, it's about advancing a progressive political agenda. 

“This 2019 House version of VAWA no longer prioritizes the comfort and safety of women victims and it flatly refuses to address victims of female genital mutilation (FGM).  

“It raises serious constitutional concerns with regard to religious liberty and second amendment freedoms. Irresponsibly, it includes a provision that would cost tens of millions of dollars in new taxes on employers and adds significant new requirements on housing providers far beyond the scope of the current law. 

“Sadly, the lack of transparency, accountability and misuse of taxpayer funds that has long been associated with VAWA funding is not being robustly addressed. We should never tolerate resources being wasted that are supposed to help women. 

“We can only hope the U.S. Senate will address some of these serious concerns. Survivors of domestic violence deserve no less than a truly improved and survivor-centered Violence Against Women Act.”

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