cantwell.jpg
Washington Senator Maria Cantwell says women in the Senate are "mad and tired" of a new Republican effort to kill a domestic violence program. (AP file photo)

Senators Cantwell, Murray fight to save women's bill

BY Josh Kerns  on March 15, 2012 @ 1:38 pm (Updated: 3:15 pm - 3/15/12 )

A fight over renewal of a longtime domestic violence program in the U.S. Senate is turning into a battle of the sexes, and Washington's two female senators are taking center stage.

"I am furious," Democrat Maria Cantwell told the New York Times. "We're mad, and we're tired of it."

Conservatives are seeking to kill the Violence Against Women Act, a longstanding measure that would increase funding and expand the reach of domestic violence programs.

A group of female Senate Democrats led by Cantwell and fellow Washington senator Patty Murray marched Thursday to the Capitol to protest what they say is just the latest in an all out assault on women's rights. It follows a rancorous battle over President Obama's contraception funding mandate.

"Many of us women have come to the floor over the last few weeks to fight back against attempts to turn back the clock when it comes to women's health care. I'm disappointed these issues kept coming up, but I know I stand with millions of men and women across America who remain ready to defend the gains we've made over the last 50 years," Murray said in a speech on the Senate floor.

The legislation would continue funding for a number of programs such as battered women's shelters and free legal assistance. It would also expand the legal definition of violence against women to include stalking and and provide more support for law enforcement and courts to assist victims.

But conservatives oppose parts including expansion of protection for same-sex couples and allowing temporary visas for battered illegal immigrants, arguing Democrats are trying to broadly stretch beyond the intention of the legislation, which has previously enjoyed bipartisan support since it was enacted in 1994.

Josh Kerns, MyNorthwest.com Reporter
Josh Kerns is co-host of KIRO Radio's Seattle Sounds (Saturday nights 7-8) and a digital content producer for MyNorthwest.com.
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Comments (29)


  • Add A Comment

  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Senators Can'tvotewell and Snaggletooth...
    March 15, 2012 2:19 pm
    ...both obvious sexists.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    Since election time is nearing
    March 15, 2012 3:14 pm
    and guess who surfaces!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Howdy wrote...
    "FURIOUS"
    March 15, 2012 3:31 pm
    Whoa, settle down Maria. We know you like playing the role of 'victim' but there's no need to start throwing pots and pans at the other senators.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HPD 5-0 wrote...
    Probably that "time of the month"...
    March 15, 2012 4:35 pm
    ....
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • murr wrote...
    thats the ONLY place they can be on STAGE
    March 15, 2012 4:06 pm
    And thats still pushing it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • imanegro wrote...
    Nice
    March 15, 2012 4:26 pm
    Conservatives are the bad guys. They try to "kill" and anti-violence bill. Agenda much, NMW? How about this: We haven't got any MONEY! We can't pay for everything.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • C"mon Man wrote...
    MIA
    March 15, 2012 4:59 pm
    When it comes to defending conservative women and their kids from trash like Maher,Letterman and various other haters.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    where is the 'killing' ?
    March 15, 2012 5:05 pm
    Josh, - the only reference in your story to opposition is to ..."expansion of protection for same-sex couples.....arguing Democrats are trying to broadly stretch beyond the intention of the legislation...".............I see NOTHING that says anyone is trying to kill the entire bill. ...Or is this another Harry Reed ploys that his added agenda MUST be included - take it or leave it all. ... If there is something NOT reported, please tell us.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Howard goldman wrote...
    What do expect WA?
    March 15, 2012 5:33 pm
    You voted these obvious candidates for trailer park intellectualism. I mean it is not as bad as California who voted to New Yorkers in as their senator who now only worry about their husband's businesses. The bill is actually a tremendous stab at the equal protection clause of the Constitution. All the law does is penalize men for going into any government job. Since the aggressor in more than 50% of domestic violence charges are women, this bill's demise would only benefit women. I mean if this bill is really protective of women, can't the feminists just come out and say they think women are inferior and cannot defend themselves , as they try to promote this legislation?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • William Lawn wrote...
    Perpetual victims
    March 15, 2012 6:24 pm
    Male republicans.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Mr. Kerns, your headline "Senators Cantwell, Murray fight to save women's bill"
    March 15, 2012 8:04 pm
    Should more apropriately have stated, Senators Cantwell, Murry to save Doestic Violence Bill...........unless you were going for the "Women versus Men" angle, in which case you are purposely creating one more American versus American story because of an idelogical reason.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }