The House will take up a bill on Tuesday combining all unfinished appropriations for FY 2008, including the Labor-Health and Human Services and Education (LHHS) and Commerce, Justice, Science (CJS) appropriations bills, which include VAWA and VOCA funding (e.g., SASP, Rural Grants Program, RPE) and many other programs on which survivors and their children rely.
The Senate is expected to take up the bill later in the week. In order to win over enough votes to increase buy-in from Members of Congress, the Democratic leadership is expected to cut $10.6 billion from its previously approved total.
The President has threatened to veto the compromise bill and has refused to negotiate. If Members of Congress vote for the original bill, they are more likely to vote to override the President’s veto.
You play a crucial role. Be a voice for sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and dating violence victims and for VAWA and VOCA programs.
What can you do?
Call or write your Senators and Representative TODAY and tell them to vote YES on the Omnibus Appropriations bill!

Call 1-888-245-0215, which will connect you to the Capitol switchboard.
Below are some things you can tell your legislator:

  • Thank you for working so hard to increase funding for Violence Against Women Act programs and to raise the cap on the Victims of Crime Act Fund in the Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriations bills.
  • Please vote YES for the Omnibus Appropriations bill to ensure that victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and teen dating violence can receive the lifesaving, cost-effective services they need.
  • Sexual assault is a devastating, life-threatening crime that faces our nation. It impacts men, women and children. Please protect the $10 million appropriated to the Sexual Assault Services Program.
  • VAWA programs work – Rape crisis centers do wonderful work but they are under funded and must place victims on waiting lists for services.