I voted Yes on S. 47, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013.

S. 47 is a bipartisan, inclusive reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Originally set up in 1994, VAWA programs help prevent domestic violence and protect victims of abuse. This bill would reauthorize funding for VAWA grant programs for five years, while making several policy changes to the Act. Among the important changes to the bill are protections extended to some of the most vulnerable domestic abuse victims in our society, including Native American women, LGBT individuals and immigrants.

I wholeheartedly support VAWA programs that help keep our communities safe. Throughout my life, I have been a strong supporter of women's rights and organizations in Upstate New York that aid women. In hearing from service providers and women's groups in our community, it was clear that they believe this bill will enable them to do their jobs and confront the many challenges they face dealing with such difficult issues on a daily basis.

I have worked for months to pass this bill and voted for it today because, above all else, the Violence Against Women Act has been successful. We have seen the benefits: it has saved lives and helped millions of victims find safety, security and self-sufficiency.

Reauthorization of a bipartisan, inclusive VAWA that protects victims regardless of their background is critically important. If a daughter, sister or perfect stranger was raped, battered or needed help, no one would ask or care what her ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation was before we came to her aid. Nor should the Violence Against Women Act. No community, and no person, should be neglected when it comes to domestic violence.

I was pleased that the House came together to pass a bipartisan, inclusive Violence Against Women Act that service providers, law enforcement and most importantly – all victims – deserve.

The bill was approved by a vote of 286 – 138.