Steve Simon: “H.R. 30, and I repeat, does nothing to advance these solutions. Instead, it broadens the definition of domestic violence…”

“H.R. 30, and I repeat, does nothing to advance these solutions. Instead, it broadens the definition of domestic violence in ways that punishes survivors, making them inadmissible and subject to deportation, regardless of their legal status. I say to my colleagues: We must read this bill. Read it. Let me be clear: We know that Federal law already allows deportation, demands deportation for individuals convicted of domestic violence. H.R. 30 doesn't strengthen the protection of survivors--it weaponizes them. I know what it means to protect victims, Mr. Speaker. It means to fight systemic inequities in our current systems that don't work for those victims or survivors. H.R. 30 doesn't do this work. That is why I too stand with over 200 organizations, one in which I cofounded, the Sister Warriors Freedom Coalition, that is 10,000 strong, who are young women and girls who are surviving rape and domestic violence and trafficking. They, too, say no.”