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Murphy's position on VAWA was misrepresented
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NARAL's Kate Michelman misrepresents Congressman Tim Murphy's position on the Violence Against Women Act, conveniently leaving out Mr. Murphy's past and present work to enhance federal programs to help female victims of crime ("Sacrificing Women for Politics These House Members From Pa. Have Sent a Horrifying Message," March 11).
In 2005, Mr. Murphy voted to fully reauthorize VAWA, creating a host of new funding streams aimed at combating domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and sexual trafficking.
In early March, Mr. Murphy again voted to reauthorize VAWA in a House-authored bill directing $658 million annually to prosecute those who rape and abuse women, create and maintain more safe havens for women and children and broaden protections for female victims of violent crime.
Mr. Murphy voted against the Senate bill because it diverted funding away from the original VAWA programs, which is deeply troubling, given the gravity of circumstances confronting female victims of crime today. State and local authorities need more resources to prosecute criminals who abuse women, but more importantly, battered women shelters should not be expected to forgo needed resources to further a political agenda. Mr. Murphy voted to stop millions from being earmarked away to special interest groups. His vote for the House bill would have maintained full funding for women and children in violent situations.
I am proud of Congressman Murphy's record. Shame on NARAL and Ms. Michelman who, for political purposes having nothing to do with protecting female victims of crime, opt to divide and mislead women rather than work together for the resources so desperately needed to help them.
SUSAN MOSYCHUK
Chief of Staff
Congressman Tim Murphy
Washington, D.C.
First Published March 21, 2013 12:00 am
