Progressive Democrat Issue 35: NATIONAL ACTION (Women's rights)

From Wellstone Action

Our voices are making a difference!

Wellstone Action members have sent over 8,000 faxes to Congress asking members to support and co-sponsor the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), a landmark piece of legislation that changed the way our communities respond to domestic and sexual violence. If Congress doesn't act, VAWA will expire on September 30th, 2005.

Paul and Sheila Wellstone were driving forces behind VAWA, and Wellstone Action is proud to carry on their work. Thanks to activists like you, VAWA is moving forward!
Progress made so far:

* A grassroots coalition of more than 250 organizations has come together to work on VAWA
* VAWA legislation was introduced in both the House [H.2876] and Senate [S.1197]
* 66 co-sponsors in the House
* 40 co-sponsors in the Senate
* Senate hearings on VAWA Reauthorization took place this week

Pressure needed:

This week, the Senate started hearings on the Violence Against Women Act. Next the House and Senate will vote on versions of VAWA. Then the House and Senate must craft a bill that both chambers can pass and be signed into law.

All of this needs to happen before September 30th, when VAWA expires!
What you can do to help:

You can take action today to help us pass VAWA 2005!

* FAX your member of Congress and ask them to support VAWA

* Become a VAWA organizer – download our tool kit

Thank you for helping us make this VAWA campaign a success. We'll keep you updated on VAWA's progress this fall.
Thanks,
Wellstone Action
www.wellstone.org