House sends Violence Against Women Act reauthorization to president’s desk

On Feb. 28, the U.S. House passed the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (S. 47). After voting against a substitute version of the bill, the House adopted the APA-supported, inclusive language passed by the Senate in a strong bipartisan vote of 236-138. In advance of the House vote, APA mobilized members of its Public Policy Advocacy Network to urge their House members to support the more inclusive Senate language, which includes key public health provisions and protections for priority populations. The legislation will now go to the president to be signed into law, marking the culmination of years of advocacy by APA members and staff to ensure that all survivors of intimate partner violence receive the services and supports necessary for optimal health and well-being.