DNC Chair Jaime Harrison and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Lottie Shackelford released the following statement on the House vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA):

“The House today took a critical step in ending the scourge of domestic violence against women and guaranteeing equal rights for women under the law. The Violence Against Women Act has played a critical role in offering protections for millions of victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and it now includes additional protections for Native American women, who face violence at a disproportionate rate. And by supporting the Equal Rights Amendment, the House is making progress toward finally guaranteeing equal legal rights for women across the country.

“Championing the rights and safety of women across the country shouldn’t be a partisan issue, but for over two years, Democrats have pushed for the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act while Republicans stood in the way. Now, with the public health and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic putting women even more at risk for abuse and violence, the need for reauthorization is more urgent than ever.

“President Biden wrote and has fiercely supported the Violence Against Women Act and has long advocated for the Equal Rights Amendment. He’s worked for decades to stop the scourges of abuse, harassment, intimidation, and physical and emotional violence in our country, and ensure that no woman is treated differently under the law. The House today did its part, and it’s now time for Senate Republicans to join Democrats and vote to ensure women in our country have these protections in place.”