Let's say you're a Republican. (Sorry, I know there's no greater insult, but stick with me here.) So you're a Republican, and you've just voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act—which has always, in its two-decade history, enjoyed broad bipartisan support because, until your party was hijacked by the uber-wingnuts, combatting violence against women was considered uncontroversial and, you know, good. Despite your best efforts to exclude not-white, not-straight women from the bill, it
finally passes anyway.
So what do you do? You just lie and say you voted for it anyway. Hey, Michele Bachmann, why don't you show us how it's done?
"Rep. Bachmann recognizes the importance of giving local law enforcement and nonprofit programs the resources they need to fight against domestic violence and sexual assault, which is why she supported the stronger House version of the Violence Against Women Act," said Bachmann spokesman Dan Kotman.
Well, no. The "stronger" House version of VAWA was the one that actually passed. The one that provided protection for
all women. The one Bachmann voted against.
And she's not the only one who's trying to get credit for supporting a bill she voted against. Apparently, several of her colleagues in the House got the same genius idea. Just boast of supporting the amendment proposed by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, the one that only covered some women, the one that was never going to get through the Senate, the one the president said he would not sign—and ignore those pesky "no" votes they cast when the House voted on the real bill. Who will know the difference, right?
Head below the fold for more Republicans patting themselves on the back for votes they didn't actually cast.
Rep. Tim Griffin of Arkansas issued this statement:
For nearly two decades, VAWA has protected and helped victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The House version extends the law for five years while strengthening criminal penalties, providing more resources for sexual assault investigations and care for victims, and I was proud to support its reauthorization.
And here's Rep. Steve King of Iowa applauding himself:
"I supported this legislation because I know how important it is to empower women in difficult situations. If a woman is at risk, she should know that she has a place to turn for support and assistance. I supported VAWA in 2005, 2012, and today I voted in support of the House version to see that victims of domestic violence and sexual assault have access to the resources and protection when they need it the most."
Missouri Rep. Vicky Hartzler's
is also very proud of herself:
“I am pleased to support efforts to protect all women in this country from domestic abuse and other forms of violence,” said Hartzler. “The House version of VAWA supports assistance to adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.”
“Violence against women, in all its forms, is unacceptable,” added Hartzler. “I support efforts to prosecute to the full extent of the law all those who engage in these deplorable acts of abuse and violence. This legislation provides states with the resources needed to combat domestic violence and allocates funding to college campuses for safety programs - all while ensuring no one is discriminated against. The House version of the Violence Against Women Act protects women, provides funding for the Rural Grant Program, and reauthorizes the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. As a former board member of CASA, I understand how important it is to provide support for abused children and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Michigan Rep. Tim Walberg went on the radio
to crow about his vote:
Rep. Walberg told a local radio station that “he was proud to have voted in support of the act.” Walberg explained how “as a husband, father of a daughter and grandfather of a granddaughter, he is strongly committed to ensuring that all women have access to resources they need to protect themselves, their children and their families.”
Yes, they're all very proud to show their support for women and their dedication to reducing violence against women—which is why they all
voted against the Violence Against Women Act. Guess the one silver lining is they know it was the wrong vote to cast—which is why they're all lying now and pretending they did the right thing after all.
