WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 19, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) today wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging him and his administration to move forward in appointing an individual to fill the vacant director position of the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women (OVW).

“Since its enactment, the Violence Against Women Act has enjoyed bipartisan support. This is not a Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal issue. Together, we all must stand against violence of any kind,” said McMorris Rodgers upon sending the letter. “This position has remained vacant for more than a year now. In order for us to be doing everything we can to combat violence against women and children, we must have someone with a strong vision leading this office. I urge President Donald J. Trump and his administration to move quickly and fill this vacancy as soon as possible. There’s no excuse. We need to get someone in place.”

In the letter, the Congresswoman says, “As we move closer to the expiration of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), I believe it is vital that the Administration has a permanent, Senate-confirmed director to demonstrate the Administration’s commitment to preventing violence against women and providing resources and justice to its victims.”

She continued, “While I understand that the office currently has an Acting Director, I believe it is imperative that the Administration act quickly to install a permanent director at the office. I urge you and the Department of Justice to act quickly to nominate a Director for OVW, to ensure that the federal government is protecting and serving victims of domestic violence as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

Read her full letter here.

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