WASHINGTON—Following Senate passage of S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) released the following statement:

“I was proud to cast my vote today to strengthen and pass the Violence Against Women Act. Now that the Senate has made the right and responsible decision to protect millions of women and men from domestic, sexual, and other forms of violence, the House should do the same. For too long, victims of violence in Connecticut and across the country have been denied the help they need because of senseless political games. I hope that the Republican leadership in the House will move forward on this bill without delay.”

The bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA Reauthorization), S. 47, significantly strengthens the ability of the Federal Government, states, law enforcement, and service providers to combat domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. As with the previous reauthorizations of VAWA in 2000 and 2005, this bill responds to the realities and needs reported by those who work with victims every day to make VAWA work better for all victims. This bill is nearly identical to the Violence Against Women Act  from the 112th Congress (S. 1925), and includes key provisions to reduce domestic violence for specific groups, such as immigrants, tribal victims, and members of the LGBT community. S. 1925  passed out of the Senate with broad bipartisan support, but was never taken up by the House.