Senate Reauthorizes Violence Against Women Act

The U.S. Senate has just passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Its future in the House is unclear.

The Senate passed a reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act last Congress, only to see it fester in the House.

Conservatives in both chambers say expanded protections for undocumented immigrants and members of the LGBTQ communities amount to political handouts.

And perhaps more worrisome to many is the provision that allows tribal courts to prosecute non-natives in Indian Country for abuse. In Alaska, that only applies to Metlakatla, because it’s the only reservation in the state.

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski says her party needs to drop its opposition in the House.

“They need to think of the vulnerable people who are victims of domestic violence every single day. It doesn’t matter where you live,” Murkowski said.

The previous reauthorization will remain law regardless of whether the House passes the new version.

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