Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada’s First District spoke in support of the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act on the House Floor today.  The Violence Against Women Act authorization expired more than 500 days ago. Below are her remarks:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support the Rule, but oppose the House Republican Substitute and to urge my colleagues to vote for the real Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization. This passed the Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support.  Real VAWA focuses on key programs to address sexual assault, including the backlog in testing rape kits. It also consolidates programs to ensure that resources are reaching victim services and local law enforcement; and it ensures protection for all victims of abuse and violence. 

"In Nevada, nearly half of all women have been the victim of some kind of sexual assault, and more than a quarter have been the victim of rape. The Rape Crisis Center in Las Vegas, an excellent organization that I have worked with closely over the years, assists victims in the transition to become survivors. This Congress should support the Center’s efforts, not hinder them. 

"Violence against women is not a game. It is time for House Republicans to stop playing games, and reauthorize this vital legislation now."