Yesterday, Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (AZ-08) introduced the Protecting Women Act, a bill to reauthorize vital legislation that supports American women and children who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and trafficking, while also improving our response to these crimes and working to prevent them altogether. Congresswoman Lesko released the following statement:

“As a survivor of domestic violence, I am deeply saddened that this critical legislation will expire tonight, February 15, 2019, at midnight,” said Congresswoman Lesko (AZ-08).  “Rather than supporting my clean extension of the existing law, Democrats voted last night to allow these programs and services to lapse. Although this saddens me, I hope my colleagues will work with me in a bipartisan fashion to reauthorize such an important law for so many women and children in America very soon.”

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On February 14, 2019, Congresswoman Lesko delivered the following remarks on the House floor urging colleagues to support the extension of this important legislation.

Congresswoman Lesko: “Madame Speaker, if the previous question is defeated, we will amend the rule to bring up an extension of the Violence Against Women Act, which I have entitled the Protect Women Act of 2019.”

“Without action, the Violence Against Women Act will expire tomorrow at midnight. Madame Speaker, I am a survivor of domestic violence. And as a survivor of domestic violence, I am calling on all of my colleagues to reauthorize this critical bill that helps women and children who have experienced the trauma and pain of abuse and who need our support.” 

“While we may not agree on every provision of the current Violence Against Women Act, I think we can all agree on the overall importance of this law and the programs and services it provides.”

“Since the Violence Against Women Act was first signed into law in 1994, it has played a vital role in supporting American women who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and trafficking, and improving our response to these crimes while we work to prevent them altogether.”

“Progress has been made, but there is more work to do. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men experience some form of contact sexual violence during their lifetime.”

“I’m confident that every member of this body believes those statistics are unacceptable. I know that we agree that we must end domestic violence and care for victims left in its wake. We need to enhance awareness, work for prevention, and ensure those harmed physically and mentally have access to resources and support they need.”

“A clean extension of the Violence Against Women Act through the end of the fiscal year ensures that the law and the programs it supports remain in place. It ensures there isn’t a lapse in services for those in need, while we discuss ways that we can strengthen and improve it together. As a Co-Chairwoman of the Women’s Bipartisan Women’s Caucus in the Congress, I want a bill that every woman in this Chamber can support. I know my Co-Chair of the Women’s Caucus, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, has also told me she wants a Violence Against Women Act that every woman in this Chamber can support. That’s why if the previous question is defeated, Republicans will seek a vote on a clean extension of the last Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. This will give us time, Republicans and Democrats, to work towards a bipartisan solution that helps women and girls, protects religious liberties, and protects women and children.”

“I hope all my colleagues will recognize the importance of acting now to prevent a lapse in authorization, and defeat the previous question so that we can work to protect the vulnerable from these heinous crimes.”

“And I yield back.”