U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce and 16 Republican colleagues sent a letter to House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor to urge the House of Representatives reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act.

“As a former public prosecutor, I’ve seen firsthand the crucial resources the Violence Against Women Act provides victims of abuse and law enforcement officials,” Joyce, R-Russell Township, said in a statement.

“Violence has absolutely zero place in a civilized society and we must do everything possible to help the victims. I urge my colleagues to reauthorize this important legislation so that we’re able to provide victims of abuse the best resources possible and hopefully prevent further tragedies.”

The Violence Against Women Act was first signed into law in 1994 and subsequently reauthorized in 2000 and 2005.

The legislation is a vital resource for communities and organizations that help victims of sexual abuse and violence.

During the 112th Congress, both the House of Representatives and Senate passed their own versions of VAWA but no final legislation was presented for a vote in either chamber.

Members of Congress who signed the letter believe that this legislation should be advanced quickly to ensure the programs that rely up VAWA will not be put in jeopardy.

U.S. Rep. David P. Joyce Signs Letter To Leadership Supporting VAWA Reauthorization by The News-Herald

John Arthur Hutchison
JHutchison@NewsHerald.com
Twitter: @newsheraldjah