Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21), along with two of her Republican colleagues -- John Faso (R-NY-19) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-08) proposed renewing the VAWA for six months so that Congress can have more time to debate what should be included in the 2018 renewal -- aka, survivors rights are a bargaining chip.
Stefanik is open about her apparent support for the legislation, saying "VAWA provides lifesaving services to communities across the country." What she fails to include in this statement, however, is that there is only one version of the VAWA she is willing to support. Her fellow colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee (D-NY) has also proposed a 2018 renewal of the VAWA that includes provisions to provide housing support to victims, tribal jurisdiction to members of the Native American community and a gun ban for abusers that are served with protective orders. Not one Republican has endorsed this legislation. They continue to ask for more time to debate the rights and protections survivors should be entitled to, with no guarantee that the VAWA will be renewed at all.
John Faso (R-NY-19), a fellow supporter of her legislation, was quick to agree and endorse the extension saying, "VAWA programs are instrumental in increasing awareness of domestic and sexual abuse, improving services and support available to victims, and enhancing law enforcement training and response to these crimes."
If the VAWA is so important, why are Republicans only agreeing to a six month extension? Will you contact Stefanik, Faso and Fitzpatrick to let them know you are expecting a full, comprehensive renewal of the VAWA this December?
Stefanik was quick to promise a bipartisan effort if her legislation was embraced -- saying, "This is an issue that affects every district in the country and I will continue to work in a bipartisan fashion on a long-term re-authorization for VAWA." She has yet to agree to work with Sheila Jackson lee, who has proposed a full renewal of the VAWA with additions that help work towards every victim being fully protected under the legislation. Instead, all she, and the rest of the Republicans continue to agree to is a 6 month extension with no promise that the VAWA will be renewed at all.
A 6 month extension is simply unacceptable. Survivors rights are not a bargaining chip. Will you contact Stefanik, Faso, and Fitzpatrick to tell them to support a full, comprehensive renewal of the VAWA this December?
Take a couple of minutes out of your day to write Stefanik, Faso, and Fitzpatrick to tell them why we need a full, comprehensive renewal of the VAWA December 7th.
Elise Stefanik
318 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4611
John Faso
1616 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5614
Brian Fitzpatrick
514 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4276
Get writing! Get calling! Your stories make a difference! Let them know why the VAWA matters to you, and what you want to see in the 2018 renewal.