 Friend -- We’ve talked so much about the health and safety of American families during this pandemic -- but one critical aspect is getting overlooked. We know situations where families are home together, for extended periods, can cause trouble -- folks have short fuses, and it's hard to stay patient under an onslaught of mostly bad news. But for some, this is a life or death situation. The lives of people stuck in emotionally and physically abusive relationships have become harder, and many of the lifelines for survivors aren't easily accessible right now. It’s been two years since the Violence Against Women Act expired because Mitch McConnell blocked it from coming to the Senate floor -- but the House voted last month to reauthorize this landmark bill, and because we flipped the Senate, we can finally bring this incredibly important legislation back to the Senate floor. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and it’s never been more important to act now to reauthorize VAWA:
Since its enactment in 1994, VAWA has reduced domestic violence by more than 50 percent and provided more than $7 billion in federal funding towards violence reduction and prevention. However this lifesaving, bipartisan bill expired all the way back in 2019. Many of the programs have continued to receive funding, but a full 5-year reauthorization bill was blocked by Mitch McConnell for nearly two years in the Senate despite a successful bipartisan vote in the House. And during this pandemic, this couldn’t be more important: I've heard stories of partners threatening to throw significant others onto the street if they cough. I've heard stories of children being abused, who can't reach out to their teacher or counselor at school because schools are closed. I've heard of partners experiencing physical abuse who are afraid to go to hospitals because they could get sick when they go. There are thousands of organizations, law enforcement, and other service providers who depend on sufficient access to federal funding and programs to provide support and recovery services to victims and survivors. All this -- and yet VAWA sat on Mitch McConnell’s desk, collecting dust. Now that I’m in charge, I’m working hard to support survivors, families, and communities who depend on VAWA, especially during Sexual Assault Awareness Month: Show your support for the Senate reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act by adding your name next to mine right now. Sincerely, Chuck Schumer |
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