As Senate Democrats Walk Away from VAWA Negotiations, Ernst Remains Committed to ‘Making Sure Survivors Get the Resources and Support They Need’

WASHINGTON – As Senate Democrats prepare to walk away from the bipartisan negotiations to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, released the following statement:

“As a survivor, reauthorizing and modernizing VAWA has been one of my top priorities. For months, I’ve worked in good faith with Democrats, like Senator Dianne Feinstein, and I believe we made real progress on a bipartisan bill.

“But, just last week, in typical partisan fashion, Senate Democrats, at Minority Leader Schumer’s direction, walked away from the table, halting our discussions.

“Election year politics are in full swing and, once again, Democrats are putting politics ahead of people, ahead of survivors. I’m beyond disappointed; shame on Senate Democrats for choosing to walk away and playing politics.

“While they continue with their political stunts, like this, I’m committed to making sure survivors get the resources and support they need. I hope Senate Democrats don’t decide to completely turn their backs on our progress and the survivors this bill is intended to support. I still stand ready to work in a bipartisan way.”

In case you missed it, Senator Ernst called out her Democratic colleagues last week on the Senate floor for abruptly halting their bipartisan negotiations over a reauthorization of VAWA after months of good-faith work and progress. Ernst said, in part, the talks came to an end because “Democrats cannot afford to be seen as giving Republicans a win.” Watch her full speech here.

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