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Legislative Update-VAWA

Washington, D.C., April 4, 2019

Later this morning, the House is scheduled to vote on the Violence Against Women Act of 2019 (VAWA). And there’s some important information you need on this bill.

Here we have a piece of legislation with such a virtuous title. (That’s by design to mitigate critics.) But it’s not until you look at the details that you understand the title is just providing cover to help advance the liberal agenda. I’m voting NO on this, and here are just a few reasons why…

First, let's talk about biological men who identify as women. This legislation would allow them access to women’s shelters. In other words, this bill would elevate the rights of transgenders above the needs of severely traumatized women who seek a sex-segregated safe space. Can you imagine?

Second, this bill fails to provide religious liberty protections for faith-based organizations that object to these transgender provisions. Which means it’d only be a matter of time before their federal funding was threatened for non-compliance. Without question, the end result would ultimately be fewer faith-based shelters, and that certainly won’t help women.

Third, VAWA legislation in prior years has provided funding to Planned Parenthood, and this year’s version is no different; it would allow that funding to continue. It’s no secret that I am #ProLife, and do not believe federal dollars should be used to support organizations like this.

The list goes on, but here’s the bottom line: As a husband, father, and grandfather to incredible women, the thought of violence against women tears at my core. And while I strongly support some of what #VAWAoriginally sought to accomplish, unfortunately the Democrats’ version of this year’s bill has become a tool to push the liberal agenda. I am certain it would do more harm than good for the very women it claims to protect.