People online are expressing their anger after 172 Republicans voted against anti-domestic violence laws in the immediate aftermath of a series of deadly attacks on women.
This act passed after 29 Republicans joined forces with the Democrats, who control Congress, leading the final vote to be 224 to 194.
The Violence Against Women Act “creates and supports comprehensive, cost-effective responses to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking”, according to the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
In a statement, they said the group “applauds the bill’s lead sponsors Sheila Jackson (D-TX), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and all those who voted for the VAWA’s passage”.
The group’s president Deborah Vagins said it was a vote “to support survivors... that both maintains established protections and resources and expands VAWA to address ongoing gaps in the law.”
“The pandemic continues to reveal deep racial and gender inequalities that impact survivors’ lives and jeopardise their safety”.
Much has been said about Covid-19 exacerbating already existing societal injustices, such as domestic violence.
However, people were quick to point out the high number of Republicans who did not support the legislation, which many said felt particularly outrageous in light of a mass shooting that killed eight women in Atlanta.
The bill was authored by President Joe Biden back when we serving as the vice president under President Barack Obama, but its protection expired two years ago during President Donald Trump’s term.
172 House Republicans voted against renewing the Violence Against Women Act. Only 4 House Republicans voted to lif… https://t.co/OHtVr06O6s— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa Milano) 1616046897
172 Republicans think that violence against women is just fine. Luckily, #VAWA passed anyway. But still, wtf GQP?— Grant Stern is boosted! (@Grant Stern is boosted!) 1616017799
172 Republicans voted against renewing the Violence Against Women Act today because they see no problem with violence against women. #VAWA— Jake Lobin (@Jake Lobin) 1616017876
Jim Jordan is one of the 172 Republicans. He voted against the Violence Against Women Act. *AGAIN.* #VAWA… https://t.co/JSmYX4sy1U— Jeff Sites for Congress (@Jeff Sites for Congress) 1616030113
Yesterday’s horrific shooting in Atlanta is another example of gun violence against women in America. Every month i… https://t.co/WJe5tPcXEX— Shannon Watts (@Shannon Watts) 1616021575
The day after six Asian women were gunned down, 172 Republicans voted against the reauthorization of #VAWA. https://t.co/Yqg5LkMCgp— Tony Choi | 최명근 (@Tony Choi | 최명근) 1616018885
Today the House passed #VAWA. 172 Republicans voted against it. In a country where there is an unacceptable epide… https://t.co/SoA8OJADJh— HawaiiDelilah™ -- Vote Blue in 2022 -- (@HawaiiDelilah™ -- Vote Blue in 2022 --) 1616024404
Great News! The Violence Against Women Act Passed the House. Bad news 172 Republicans voted against it. I support… https://t.co/uGZGyDhfAk— Raleigh Bowman (@Raleigh Bowman) 1616017902
Thanks to Joe Biden, back in 1999, the #VAWA helped me wake up and see another day when no one else would. While I’… https://t.co/fHiPA3IUQf— 🪐✨Lisa Reyna Loe 🗳🛹 (@🪐✨Lisa Reyna Loe 🗳🛹) 1616018673