[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 69 (Tuesday, May 15, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, it is very hard to believe that today 
marks exactly 2 months since I first came to the floor to advocate 
passage of the Senate's version of the Violence Against Women Act. I 
was very encouraged to see our body finally come together and 
eventually support this important legislation. The Violence Against 
Women Act has helped provide lifesaving assistance to hundreds of 
thousands of women and their families, and it certainly was a no-
brainer to make sure all women had access to that assistance.
  However, I was very disappointed to learn that, a day after we passed 
it, House Republicans pulled an immediate U-turn and introduced their 
version of the bill that would undo the commonsense progress we made. 
The House Republican version of VAWA is a giant step backward for 
victims of domestic violence. It is dangerous and irresponsible and 
leaves women across the country more vulnerable to domestic abuse. Not 
only do they remove important protections that would be created by the 
Senate version of the bill, they actually strip existing protections 
already provided by this important law. In fact, it removes critical 
protections for LGBT victims, does little to address the epidemic of 
domestic and sexual violence in tribal communities, removes critical 
protections already in place for students on college campuses, and it 
rolls back protections for immigrant victims.
  We have made a lot of progress since VAWA was first passed back in 
1994. I hope no one will insist on putting partisan politics ahead of 
protecting victims of domestic violence. Where a person lives, whom 
they love or what their citizenship status may be should not determine 
whether their perpetrators are brought to justice.
  The Senate bill that we passed last month builds on what works in the 
current law, it improves what doesn't, and it continues on the path of 
reducing violence toward women. It certainly should not be 
controversial.
  Mr. President, it is time for the House Republicans to come to their 
senses and support our bipartisan bill so that women and families in 
this country can get the resources and support they need.
  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________