It is day 30 of the government shutdown with no sign of it ending soon. In fact, President Trump proposed a new deal yesterday to Democrats, which was rejected by Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer before it even made its way to the public. 800,000 federal workers are still furloughed. They are struggling to pay their rent, afford life saving medication and pay countless other bills. Meanwhile, organizations that depend on government funding are struggling to keep their doors open -- including but not limited to domestic violence shelters and nonprofits dedicated to helping victims of sexual violence.

Before the shutdown, both sides of the aisle made a point to stress their commitment to the Violence Against Women Act. Republican representatives sent a letter to Paul Ryan urging him to take action to temporarily renew the legislation so that there would be no delay in services staying in place while members continued to negotiate what should be included in the legislation. Meanwhile, Democratic representatives Sheila Jackson Lee (TX) and now Minority Leader Pelosi brought a bill to the floor to promptly renew the Violence Against Women Act with common sense provisions. While there may be a partisan divide as to how the legislation should look or how some of the money should be spent, there is no disagreement among either side that victims of sexual violence deserve help from the government, and any pause in that help is unacceptable.

What everyone clearly agrees on -- regardless of political affiliation, is that The Violence Against Women Act, as it currently stands, should be in full operation. The fact that it has lapsed is inexcusable. That is why we should all call on Mitch McConnell to bring a vote to the floor to pass emergency legislation renewing the Violence Against Women Act.

START CALLING:

His office numbers:

202-224-2541

502-582-6304

859-224-8286

606-864-2026

270-781-1673

270-442-4554

And here's a short script if you're not sure what to say:

"Hello, my name is Jane Smith. I'm a constituent from (State), (Zip Code). It is now day (number) of the government shutdown and I am concerned about the effect of the lapse the Violence Against Women Act is having on our country.  I am demanding Mitch McConnell bring emergency legislation to the floor that promptly renews the Violence Against Women Act. Thank you.

This is something both sides agree on. It is common sense. No victim deserves to go without help, and these organizations deserve to continue their work. Mitch McConnell must bring a vote to the floor.