House Republicans push for vote on Violence Against Women Act

Moderate Republican members in the House are calling on leadership to bring the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to the floor before it expires on Sept. 30.

Reps. John KatkoJohn Michael KatkoRundown of the House seats Democrats, GOP flipped on Election Day Republicans who could serve in a Biden government Fitzpatrick wins reelection in Pennsylvania MORE (R-N.Y.), Rodney DavisRodney Lee DavisIncoming lawmakers arrive for orientation amid worsening pandemic House report says lawmakers could securely cast remote votes amid pandemic Bustos won't seek to chair DCCC again in wake of 2020 results MORE (R-Ill.) Elise StefanikElise Marie StefanikThe year of the Republican woman Republican women break barriers in House on election night Women gain uneven footholds in Congress, state legislatures MORE (R-N.Y.) and Jeff DenhamJeffrey (Jeff) John DenhamBusiness groups breathe sigh of relief over prospect of divided government Ex-RNC, Trump fundraiser Elliott Broidy charged in covert lobbying scheme Bottom line MORE (R-Calif.) — all members of the Tuesday Group and the Republican Main Street Caucus — sent a letter on Monday to House Speaker Paul RyanPaul Davis RyanMcCarthy faces pushback from anxious Republicans over interview comments Pelosi and Trump go a full year without speaking Jordan vows to back McCarthy as leader even if House loses more GOP seats MORE (R-Wis.) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthyKevin Owen McCarthyLincoln Project resurfaces Kellyanne Conway tweet calling 306 electoral votes 'historic' The Hill's Morning Report - Biden wins Arizona, confers with Dem leaders; Trump tweets Pelosi faces caucus divisions in Biden era MORE (R-Calif.) urging swift action to be taken as there are just seven legislative days remaining on the calendar.

“Since being signed into law in 1994, VAWA has helped to protect and support millions of Americans who have faced domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking,” they wrote.

“This landmark legislation has drastically improved our nation’s response to these crimes and has contributed to the overall declining rates of domestic abuse since its enactment. However, instances of violence are still very common.”

The group cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics showing one in three women and one in six men encounter sexual violence during their lifetime. According to the lawmakers, the extension of the VAWA plays a pivotal role in maintaining programs aimed at protecting those experiencing abuse.

“The programs provide funding to ensure safety and support for survivors, increase prevention efforts, expand educational awareness surrounding domestic violence and sexual assault, implement training for health professionals and law enforcement, and to coordinate responses across agencies,” they continued.

“We have all seen the positive impact of these programs in our districts and have met individuals in our communities who have benefited from the protections this law provides.”

Davis — who noted dozens of lawmakers signed on to the letter initially drafted by Katko — said they brought the issue up to leadership at their weekly cross-section lunch.

“It's an issue that they know we feel is important and we felt sending a letter expressing that importance was the next best step,” he told The Hill. “And we're looking forward to hearing back from the Speaker and leader McCarthy and leadership on our side.”

The Illinois Republican said they are looking to work with both members of leadership and the House Judiciary Committee on a path forward.