Congressional Delegation Backs Anti-Domestic Violence Bill
Several Democratic members of Connecticut's congressional delegation say they hope to successfully fight off proposed Republican changes to an anti-domestic violence bill. U.S. Reps. Chris Murphy, Rosa DeLauro and Joe Courtney, said they expect a vote will be held this week to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, first passed in 1994. They said the changes proposed by the House Republicans, who control the chamber, significantly weaken elements of the bill that protect immigrants, American Indians, gays and lesbians. The lawmakers said they support a bill that received bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate. They hope to offer amendments in the House of Representatives that would make the House bill more similar to the Senate's version. Eighteen domestic violence agencies in Connecticut rely on the law to fund certain programs. – Associated Press