Chris Smith votes “No” on Violence Against Women Act - again.

Chris Smith has once again voted against the Violence Against Women Act.

Smith voted to renew the VAWA for years, until the Senate added protections for LGBT Americans in 2012. Smith and Republicans objected and proposed their own alternative. That alternative bill failed the same day the Senate version passed the House in 2013.

Smith voted against the 2013 reauthorization. It is the GOP alternative, without LGBT protections, which Smith praises on his website.

This time, the 2019 VAWA included a provision barring people with domestic violence convictions from obtaining firearms. Abused women are five times more likely to be killed if their abuser owns a firearm, and domestic assaults involving a firearm are twelve times more likely to result in murder.

Once again, the GOP proposed a bill without these protections. Expect Smith to parade this around as proof of his “support.”

Smith can’t hide behind his vote for either GOP alternative. When he voted against the VAWA, he was unequivocally stating that the bill should not become law. Smith had no guarantee Democrats would bail him out and pass the VAWA. He irresponsibly put the VAWA at risk, further displaying his failure as a leader.

The VAWA improves services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It prevents states from charging victims for rape kits. It allows women who flee domestic violence to obtain protection orders across state lines without having to return home to danger.

Smith loves to tout his human rights work, so why was he willing to sacrifice the VAWA? Because he couldn’t vote for a VAWA that considers LGBT Americans human, and he doesn’t have the courage to stand up for domestic violence victims against the wishes of the NRA and his party.