October 27, 2010                                                                                             

SEATTLE, WASH – Congressman Jim McDermott (D-Wash) issued the following statement today in response to the President’s announcement of several new domestic violence initiatives:

“I want to applaud President Obama for introducing new policy initiatives aimed at ending violence against women.  Domestic violence affects millions of women, children, and even men every year, and I have long been an advocate of reducing domestic violence in our country.  As Chairman of the Ways & Means Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, I have passed legislation that pushes States to provide unemployment insurance benefits to women who are forced to leave their job because of domestic violence.  I voted in favor of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and I have supported each reauthorization since.  The policies that the President announced today are a much needed step in protecting women and children, and breaking the cycle of violence.”

Click here for a White House fact sheet on the President’s new initiatives.