Lois Capps: “I thank my leader for yielding, and I rise today in opposition to the Republican amendment that would undermine key…”

“I thank my leader for yielding, and I rise today in opposition to the Republican amendment that would undermine key provisions in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, and to urge strong support for the underlying Senate bill which protects our young people on our school campuses. VAWA is a vital program addressing violence against women holistically: through prevention programs, survivor supports, and provisions to hold perpetrators accountable. But it is also a symbol that relationship violence and sexual assault is real and that it's unacceptable. It has been a symbol in this Congress that we can put aside our differences and come together to do what is right for violence victims and survivors. And as we saw in the Senate--and we will hopefully see it here in the House--this is still true. Our daughters, sisters, and mothers, no matter where they are, including on our school campuses, deserve to live without fear of abuse, and we cannot delay their safety any longer. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support the Senate bill. Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased to yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Runyan).”