DES MOINES – Iowa Republican Representatives Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra have voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives yesterday on a bipartisan vote.
Iowa Democratic Representative Cindy Axne supported the authorization of the bill, which also included increased funding championed by Axne to help law enforcement, state agencies, and community organizations combat and prosecute violence against women more effectively.
“Preventing violence, abuse, and human trafficking isn’t a partisan issue, which is why the Violence Against Women Act has always received support from Democrats and Republicans, and hundreds of advocacy organizations who believe in keeping our communities safe. Cindy Axne has seen firsthand how important these resources are and Iowans trust her to continue championing legislation to protect women, children, and families in our state,” said Iowa Democratic Party First Vice Chair June Owens.
Iowa Democratic Party Third Vice Chair Chris Adcock added, “the reauthorization of this bill is long overdue, but Ashley Hinson and Randy Feenstra voted to delay funding for these critical programs even longer. Now, at a time when many families and communities need a safety net more than ever, Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley need to support reauthorization in the Senate. We can’t play political games when the health and safety of Iowans are on the line.”
The Violence Against Women Act has been expired since 2019 and its reauthorization has been a top priority of the Biden-Harris administration. Over 200 non-partisan advocacy organizations support its reauthorization.