SPOKANE, WA (September 16, 2018) – Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after helping secure an extension of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

“As a warrior for human dignity and human value, I will always stand against violence, especially violence for the purpose of oppressing people. My hope is for my daughters and others to live in a world where they are safe from harm and empowered to reach their full potential.

“The Violence Against Women Act is critical legislation to provide resources, support, and justice for victims of harassment and assault. For months, I’ve been meeting with women and others from both sides of the aisle to work to extend VAWA, which has enjoyed bipartisan support since its enactment. The VAWA extension through December 7th is a good step as we continue to work for a long term solution. I have called on President Trump to fill the vacant director position of the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women (OVW). This permanent position has been vacant since the Obama administration, and it’s vital that someone is nominated to protect and serve victims of domestic violence.”

NOTE: Earlier this year, Rep. McMorris Rodgers sent 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). You can read that letter by clicking here.

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