18th Century Foxx
(
CBS News) The GOP-led House on Wednesday voted to approve the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a piece of legislation that is the subject of partisan controversy despite the fact that both parties hope to see some it passed in some form.
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In April, the Senate hammered out legislation that included protections for Native Americans, undocumented immigrants, and gay, lesbian and transgender victims in addition to those already protected under the legislation. That bill passed late last month with bipartisan support. The House version of the bill, however, stripped out those expansions. Even with the last-minute addition by Republicans of an amendment aimed at quelling criticism over the discrepancies between two versions, Democrats decried the legislation for excluding certain groups and undermining its broader purpose.
"Let's call this bill what it's really is. It's not the Violence Against Women act, but the Open Season for Violence Against Women Act," said Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., in a press conference Wednesday.
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In remarks on the House Floor, Republican
Rep. Virginia Foxx, of North Carolina, accused Democrats of politicizing the fight to protect victims of violence.
"It really pains me to see my colleagues across the aisle make the kind of accusations that they make about Republicans being unconcerned about the issue of violence against women," Foxx said. "How could they possibly accuse us of not being concerned about that issue? All Republicans are concerned about violence against anyone." ...................(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57435857-503544/violence-against-women-act-passes-in-house-but-partisan-battle-looms/