Published: 1:19 AM 03/17/2012
By Caroline May
The Daily Caller:
The optics of opposing legislation to combat domestic violence and assist victims are never good, especially for politicians who already face accusations of waging a “war against women.”
With Senate Democrats hastening the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) to further that narrative, Senate Republicans are in a tricky position: having genuine concerns about the legislation but facing politically damning charges.
Since it was enacted in 1994 VAWA has enjoyed bipartisan support and smooth passage in each of its 6 year re-authorizations. So just what are the Republicans’ problems with VAWA this time around?
According to Senate Republicans, there are many.
Unlike earlier re-authorizations, this legislation, sponsored by Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy, contains new, divisive provisions and lacks protections against fraud, Republicans say.
For example, Leahy’s new version of VAWA would create 5,000 additional “U-visas,” which are given to immigrants — legal and illegal — who are likely to aid in criminal investigations.
Immigrants who apply for U-visas do not necessarily need to assist in actual investigations, Republicans say, so an illegal immigrant facing deportation could apply for one without ever needing to aid law enforcement. Leahy’s bill does not contain provisions to prevent such abuse.
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