VAWA: Sens. Mike Johanns (R-NE), John Thune (R-SD) and Charles Grassley (R-IA) side with far-right groups, vote against Violence Against Women Act

Senators from South Dakota, Nebraska and Iowa paid more attention to the dubious claims of right wing organizations than to women's groups as they voted against the recently-passed reauthorization of VAWA.

Reaction to Sen. Charles Grassley's vote
Molly Tafoya, of One Iowa:

(Des Moines, IA)—Today Senator Chuck Grassley joined 21 other Senators in voting against the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). VAWA is a federal law that provides resources and funding for programs and services to those affected by domestic violence, including transitional and legal assistance, law enforcement training, hotlines, and more. The bill provides specific protections for same-sex partners and LGBT survivors of domestic abuse in spite of federal law that continues to deny recognition to same-sex couples.
     Earlier this month, Senator Grassley introduced sweeping amendments to VAWA that stripped protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) survivors, along with undocumented workers, and survivors living on tribal lands. Today, VAWA passed the Senate with a vote of 78 to 22.
     The bill now heads to the United States House of Representatives for a vote.
     In response to Senator Grassley’s vote against VAWA and his proposed amendments to this bill, One Iowa Executive Director Donna Red Wing issued the following statement:
     “One Iowa is paying close attention to the vote to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act because the bill provides crucial protections for members of the LGBT community and recognition of the sometimes painful realities that same-sex couples face. Senator Grassley attempted to strip the most vulnerable members of our society from the bill, and was not successful, so he outright opposed the legislation. As an organization committed to justice, we will not forget his egregious actions and his blatant disregard for the safety of LGBT people, including many Iowans. We now look to our Representatives in the House for leadership and will take note of their votes on this important piece of legislation.”

Reaction to Sen. Mike Johann's vote

We are disappointed that Sen. Johanns turned his back on Nebraska women," said Jane Kleeb, Bold Nebraska Director. "Democratic and Republican Leaders in Washington sent a clear message today that they will stand together to protect those most vulnerable in our society. It is unfortunate that Johanns was in the clear minority.

Reaction to South Dakota Sen. John Thune's vote

Thune voted against VAWA altogether after trying supporting Oklahoma GOP Sen. Tom Coburn's fearmongering attempt to kill Native American provisions in the bill by arguing such provisions were unconstitutional and could cause Indians to be able to arrest any non-Indian.

“Throwing around the term ‘constitutional violation’ raises a big red flag, and is used purely to create dissidence,” said Ryan D. Dreveskracht, an Indian affairs lawyer with Galanda Broadman. “We know from the House Report (issued in 2012) that they are basing this argument on an alleged ‘unsettled question of constitutional law whether Congress has the authority … to recognize inherent tribal sovereignty over non-Indians.’”
     “But the question is settled,” Dreveskracht said. “In United States v. Lara, the Supreme Court explicitly held that ‘Congress does possess the constitutional power to lift the restrictions on the tribes’ criminal jurisdiction.’ Further, the Indian Civil Rights Act, 25 U.S.C. 1301-1303, requires that tribal courts provide all rights afforded to defendants in state and federal court.