Senate Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Gains Filibuster-Proof Majority
February 4, 2013 — The Senate version (S 47) of the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization has gained 60 co-sponsors, meaning that the measure cannot be filibustered, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) said in a tweet last week, Roll Call reports. Seven Republicans joined Senate Democrats in supporting the measure.
The bill would reauthorize VAWA for five years. It does not include a provision on visas for immigrants that drew objections from House Republicans last year.
However, the bill does contain another provision that would allow tribal courts to prosecute U.S. citizens charged with abusing Native Americans. House Republicans last year also objected to that measure, and it is unclear how they will proceed with this year's bill, according to Roll Call. The bill also would expand protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
Leahy said he expects to hold a vote in the coming weeks (Shiner, Roll Call, 1/31). The Senate is scheduled to take up the measure when it convenes Monday afternoon (CQ Roll Call, 2/4).
The information contained in this publication reflects media coverage of women’s health issues and does not necessarily reflect the views of the National Partnership for Women & Families.
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