House Republicans May Vote Soon on Violence Against Women Act

FULL STOP: U.S. Rep Eric Cantor (R-Va.) says he wants to see the Violence Against Women Act renewed with a bi-partisan bill, the New York Times reports.

House Republicans look like they're ready to vote on the Violence Against Women Act, the New York Times is reporting today.

As WW reported in its Feb. 6 cover package on gender-based violence against women, the Republican-controlled house failed to renew the 1994 act—which provides protections and funding for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault—during its last session.

Conservatives blocked three new provisions that the Senate passed last year: including VAWA protections for same-sex couples; allowing tribal courts on Native American lands to prosecute non-native men for sexual crimes against native women; and increasing the number of visas allotted for undocumented immigrants who petition for legal status because they are the victim of an abusive spouse or parent.

From the NYT:

The House will vote on a Republican version on Thursday that contains provisions that weaken a Senate version that empowers Native American courts to prosecute non-Indians accused of violence on tribal land. The House version also does not explicitly extend programs to prevent domestic violence and treat its victims to members of same-sex relationships.

If that version fails to win passage, the House will take up the Senate-passed version — at this point the likely outcome. That would ensure a swift White House signing ceremony.

The Senate passed that version earlier this month, 78 to 22, with 23 Republicans voting yes.




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