WASHINGTON, D.C. — A loophole in a law that Democrats say is hurting women could be closed.
Today, the US House voted to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act — with some changes.
If you aren’t familiar with the act, here is some background.
It was passed in 1994, and the act allows law enforcement to confiscate guns from men who abuse their wives or domestic partners.
The version that the House passed expands the law. It would prevent anyone convicted of abusing, assaulting, or stalking any current or former dating partner from owning a gun.
Missouri Representative Vicky Hartzler sent us a statement today.
She says she’s disappointed the law has turned into something political.
“This year’s version hijacks women’s issues to politicize other issues and I just don’t think that’s right,” Hartzler said. “I do not support this bill, I believe that women deserve better.”
The NRA says it supports the Violence Against Women Act without the proposed changes. A spokesperson called it a thinly veiled gun control measure.
33 house Republicans voted in favor of the stricter bill. It’s now headed to the Senate.
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