Dear Lucas,
We're at the brink: a majority of Senate Republicans are opposing reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act.
A vote could come as early as Wednesday, and we need to keep the pressure on to make sure we have the bipartisan votes we need.
VAWA was the first federal legislation acknowledging domestic violence and sexual assault as crimes. It's been around for almost 20 years, and was reauthorized in 2000 and 2005 with widespread bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress.
Why should this time be any different? The answer's simple: It shouldn't be.
This law can't become a casualty of partisanship. It's too important. Congress needs to come together to protect women.
That's why I'm joining with Rep. Tammy Baldwin to demand that Congress stop playing games with our safety. We need to act now. 20,000 people have already stood up. Will you stand with us?
Tammy's a tremendous partner in our fight to protect women's rights. When VAWA was reauthorized in 2000, it included an amendment from Tammy that created additional grants to support collaborative methods of combating domestic violence.
Plus, she has already seen the extreme position some will take on this: Reauthorization failed against unanimous Republican opposition in the House. It's senseless.
This issue is above partisanship. The risk of failing to reauthorize is too great. VAWA does too much to protect women to let it lapse.
Lives are at stake. Tammy's right with me. Will you add your voice?
Demand that the Senate reauthorize VAWA!
Together, we can protect women. Let's tell Congress it's time to get on board.
Thanks for your support,
Kirsten