Violence Against Women Act Remains Stalled Over House, Senate Differences

June 29, 2012 — The House and Senate remain at an impasse over the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, with the latest skirmish involving the bill's revenue-related provisions, Roll Call reports.

The Senate version of the bill (S 1925) would increase the number of temporary visas available for undocumented immigrants who are victims of abuse, but because the provision involves a fee, it violates the constitutional requirement that all revenue-raising bills originate in the House.

As a result, the House could essentially force the Senate to pass a version that does not include the provision, according to Roll Call. The House version (HR 4970) also omits Senate provisions aimed at protecting Native American women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Senate Democrats accused House Republicans of using the revenue rule as an excuse and a way to pressure them into dropping one of the three contentious provisions before negotiations begin.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) during a Tuesday press conference with other Senate Democrats said she is not willing to pass a bill without the provisions (Sanchez, Roll Call, 6/27).