Senate conflict over Violence Against Women Act

It is disappointing that the Senate rejected Sen. Chuck Grassley’s, R-Iowa, proposed amendments to the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which included some very modest financial accountability provisions for VAWA recipients [“Senate poised to renew Violence Against Women Act,” seattletimes.com, Feb. 7]. In its haste to pander to the women’s vote, the Senate approved continued handouts of millions of taxpayer dollars without any strings attached.

Grassley’s proposal recognized that a Justice Department audit of VAWA grantees found a high rate of irregularities in fund expenditures or record-keeping. It also provided for more protections against alleged victims using fraud and false allegations of abuse to take advantage of VAWA’s “get a free green card” program.

Apparently, fiscal responsibility with taxpayer subsidies goes out the window when the money is earmarked for women/victims. Aside from the blatant gender bias inherent in the act, the least we should get is some financial accountability.

–Lisa Scott, Bellevue

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