Congressman Trey Gowdy (SC-04) released this statement on his vote on S. 47, the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act:
"Before becoming a member of the House, I spent the better part of two decades fighting for victims who suffered at the hands of violent criminals. As a member of the House, I have been a vocal, active, and ardent supporter of reauthorizing VAWA because this legislation has been critical for protecting victims of domestic violence. I supported the House amendment to S. 47, but I cannot vote for something that is constitutionally suspect."
"It isn't fair to victims who will have to re-litigate these cases years from now— because some were more interested in scoring political points than making good policy. I appreciate the work of prosecutors, law enforcement officers, victims' advocates and service providers. They deserve better, and the victims of domestic violence deserve better, than a patently unconstitutional bill."
