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John --
The Senate still refuses to pass the Violence Against Women’s Act, which expired nearly a year ago. All the while, critical programs are being slashed across the country.
Stalling the VAWA creates public safety issues on many fronts. The Act includes $151 million in grants to state and local law enforcement agencies to complete forensic analyses of crime scenes and untested rape kits.
Our justice system has been slow to process sexual assault cases for decades, and the problem is only getting worse as crucial forensics samples gather dust on shelves in evidence rooms across the country.
In North Carolina alone, more than 15,000 kits remain unprocessed. California’s justice department reported that more than 13,000 kits are still unprocessed in their state. This is a phenomenon that’s common in many states throughout the nation.
Not only does the backlog delay justice for survivors; it can lead to more risk for potential future victims. This is a national safety issue and Congress must act NOW to pass the Violence Against Women’s Act and grant funding for critical programs.
In the past, many representatives voted against renewing the VAWA because it expanded protections to the LGBTQ community and Native Americans. Others did not approve of provisions that would protect undocumented migrants, leaving them particularly vulnerable.
It has been a hard fight to make the Act as inclusive as it is and to provide as many services as it does, and keeping it funded is no guarantee. Often divided down party lines, there has been constant opposition to funding and protections for many disenfranchised groups -- most often those who would suffer the most without the help that VAWA could provide.
Unfortunately, many of our representatives have demonstrated that even these issues are subject to political whims. The Senate cannot continue to play politics with people’s lives.
Brand New Congress is fighting to not only reshape the House but to seat more Senate candidates. We have announced, not one but TWO, powerhouse female Senate candidates to be voices on the Hill who will put people before party and profits. Your contribution today can help us end the gridlock in the Senate and pass vital legislation like the VAWA.
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