The last time the Senate voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, 22 voted "No," including misogynists like Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rand Paul (R-KY), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Rick Scott (R-FL) and John Cornyn (R-TX).
And the last time the House voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act was a year ago-- March 17, 2021. The old days when filthy reactionary Blue Dogs would vote against it are gone and now every Democrat votes yes and only filthy reactionary Republicans vote against it. It passed 244-172, 29 Republicans joining 215 Democrats. "No" votes included most of the usual suspects, like Marjorie Traitor Greene (Q-GA), Matt Gaetz (R-FL), Jody Hice (R-GA), Madison Cawthorn (Nazi-NC), Mary Miller (Q-IL), Gym Jordan (R-OH), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Lauren Boebert (Q-CO), Mo Brooks (R-AL), Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Ronny Jackson (R-TX), Mike Garcia (R-CA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Liz Cheney (R-WY)... you know the crew.
Data For Progress released new polling this morning showing that not only most Democrats (91%) and independents (86%) overwhelmingly support re-authorization but even Republican voters do (83%)! Only 12% of Republicans oppose reauthorization. In Congress, nearly all Republicans oppose it, especially next year, where so many of the more mainstream GOP proponents will not be returning.
This was the simple question about the bill the GOP is blocking:
One of the radical Republicans who voted against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act was Mike Garcia who represents a bright blue district in Santa Clarita and the Antelope Valley. He's a mess and only keeps winning because the DCCC keeps running a Republican-lite corporate shill against him. There is a compelling progressive in the race though, Ruth Luevanos. You can contribute to her campaign here. This afternoon she told me that she's "not at all surprised that Congressman Mike Garcia voted against protecting women by failing to renew the Violence Against Women Act. In Santa Clarita there was a 59% increase of domestic violence from 2019 to 2020 alone according to the LA County Sheriff's Station. The overall trend of increased domestic violence in Los Angeles County, which includes the 27th Congressional District, demonstrates the complete disconnect between Congressman Garcia and the needs of half of his constituents who are female. As a teacher, mother, and daughter I am acutely aware of the traumatic impact that violence against women has on students, families, workers and our communities because I've been dealing with it as a K-12 classroom teacher for over 22 years in LA County. From lost days at school and work, to depression and reproductive health consequences, violence against women impacts multiple generations, communities and schools so I still can't understand why the Violence Against Women Act ever even had a sunset clause to begin with much less why Congressman Garcia voted against it. As a city councilmember I have personally accompanied numerous female victims of violence to the police department to file criminal reports for stalking, harassment and domestic violence where they have been dismissed, gaslit and even threatened with deportation which is exactly why we need this legislation passed. The Violence Against Women Act protects immigrant women from violent acts when they are dependent on their abuser for achieving legal status and since we are all well aware that Congressman Garcia has not ever fought for immigrants while in office despite bragging about being the 'son of immigrants' his actions including his vote demonstrates that he is in favor of deporting female victims of domestic violence who are immigrants along with their children who are often citizens which will only continue the increase the uptick trend in domestic violence and other forms of violence against women."