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Pelosi Statement on the Fifth Anniversary of the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act

March 7, 2018

Contact: Ashley Etienne/Henry Connelly, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization, which was signed by President Obama on March 7, 2013:

"Five years ago, thanks to the vigorous efforts of both House and Senate Democrats, a strong Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization was signed into law by President Obama. The Violence Against Women Act remains a critically vital law today, confronting the continuing scourge of sexual and domestic violence in the United States.

"All women deserve to be safe from violence. But for 18 months, House Republicans had refused to pass the Violence Against Women Act reauthorization unless they could exclude immigrant, LGBT and Native American women from the law's vital protections. Fortunately, Democrats held firm and Congress passed a comprehensive Violence Against Women Act reauthorization that protects every woman.

"As we commemorate this historic victory, we know much more remains to be done. At this watershed moment, we must all keep up the drumbeat of energy and activism to end the scourges of discrimination, harassment and violence in the home, the workplace and throughout our society. As women from across the country stand and march, using their power to demand dignity and respect, Democrats join them to build on the progress we've made to ensure all Americans can live free from violence."

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