On the recordApril 3, 2019
I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and also for her tremendous leadership. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. This critical bill will expand crucial protections for all Americans making very important enhancements to VAWA. When I was in the California legislature, Mr. Speaker, I authored the Violence Against Women Act for the State of California, and, yes, it was signed by a Republican Governor. In addition to the protections this bill has provided for 26 years, it will now expand protections for Native American women and will protect the transgender community. Every woman has the right to live free from abuse. Although my Republican colleagues argued differently in committee, sexual orientation or gender identity should not put victims in a second-class status. This bill will now make sure that every victim of sexual violence has access to support. VAWA is critical for the 1.3 million individuals who benefit from this program. We must continue to improve these services for victims and survivors by passing this bill here today. Mr. Speaker, I know from personal experiences, yes, the life-and- death implications of this very important bill. So I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill to ensure that all women are protected from sexual and domestic violence.
