Rothfus Votes to Reauthorize Violence Against Women Act

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for the House language reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

“It is important to prevent and prosecute violence against women,” said Rothfus. “The bill that I voted for today increases oversight and ensures that funds actually go to prosecuting perpetrators and providing much-needed services to victims.”

“Unfortunately, the Senate bill raises constitutional questions and could deprive certain Americans of Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights. Without the opportunity for the House Judiciary Committee to conduct hearings on the Senate bill, I could not support it.”

The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 47) passed the House by a vote of 286-138.  The House version of the bill failed by a vote of 166-257.  S.47 now goes to the President for his signature.