DNC CEO Seema Nanda released the following statement after Democrats in the House reauthorized and expanded the Violence Against Women Act:

“House Democrats just delivered a major victory for women across the country by re-authorizing the Violence Against Women Act. Now, we need to keep up the momentum and make sure the Senate follows suit. One of the most important and personal reasons I’m proud to be a Democrat is because Democrats are the party that champions women. Democrats know that domestic abusers should not have access to firearms. This shouldn’t be remotely controversial, but it’s exactly what’s holding up reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in Congress, and the NRA is leading the charge.

“Since 1994, VAWA has been the landmark piece of legislation designed to protect all women, no matter their income or ZIP code, against domestic abuse and sexual violence. A key element of VAWA is the ‘red flag’ amendment, which prevents domestic abusers and those convicted of stalking from owning firearms — and for good reason. Survivors of domestic abuse are five times more likely to be killed by their abuser if the abuser owns a gun, and domestic violence incidents involving guns are 12 times deadlier than those without.

“We cannot and should not let Republicans and the NRA muddy the waters: Domestic abusers should not have access to guns. While Republicans in Congress are refusing to put the well-being of women above special interests like the NRA, Democrats have consistently been on the front lines fighting to protect all women from violence and abuse. The DNC is proud to stand with the Democrats in Congress fighting to reauthorize and expand VAWA.”