For the first time in our history, a new Congress – the 116th–convened during a government shutdown that the previous Congress—the 115th–failed to solve. The President is holding nine agencies hostage to his demand for a border wall, with no sign of negotiating. Today is Day 14 of this self-inflicted crisis. 

As we write this, the House is on the verge of passing HR1 (a sweeping anti-corruption bill), ending to the shutdown, and establishing a Select Committee to create a “New Green Deal.” Unfortunately, none of this reauthorizes the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The VAWA expired when the last short-term continuing resolution expired on Dec. 7. 

We must ask our MoCs to immediately reauthorize the VAWA.  After its passage intimate partner violence decreased dramatically and broad public awareness of the issue increased. Without the VAWA lives are in danger and there might not have been a #MeToo movement.  As this new Congress reopens the government and protects our elections, we need it to protect this vital law too – women’s rights are human rights.