Yo dawg, I heard you liked discussing women's issues in Politards...
Anyway, the set up:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/us...ewanted=2&_r=3
Quote:
With emotions still raw from the fight over President Obama’s contraception mandate, Senate Democrats are beginning a push to renew the Violence Against Women Act, the once broadly bipartisan 1994 legislation that now faces fierce opposition from conservatives.
The fight over the law, which would expand financing for and broaden the reach of domestic violence programs, will be joined Thursday when Senate Democratic women plan to march to the Senate floor to demand quick action on its extension. Senator Harry Reid of Nevada, the majority leader, has suggested he will push for a vote by the end of March.
Huh. Seems pretty standards stuff.
Quote:
Some conservatives are feeling trapped.
“I favor the Violence Against Women Act and have supported it at various points over the years, but there are matters put on that bill that almost seem to invite opposition,” said Senator Jeff Sessions, Republican of Alabama, who opposed the latest version last month in the Judiciary Committee. “You think that’s possible? You think they might have put things in there we couldn’t support that maybe then they could accuse you of not being supportive of fighting violence against women?”
What would cause the entire GOP delegation on the judiciary committee to cast an obviously politically unpopular vote against the VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT amidst an already politically unfavorable environment for GOP representatives w.r.t. women?
Quote:
The legislation would continue existing grant programs to local law enforcement and battered women shelters, but would expand efforts to reach Indian tribes and rural areas. It would increase the availability of free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence, extend the definition of violence against women to include stalking, and provide training for civil and criminal court personnel to deal with families with a history of violence. It would also allow more battered illegal immigrants to claim temporary visas, and would include same-sex couples in programs for domestic violence.
Quote:
“There are lots of other issues right now that could be dealt with other than this one,” said Senator John Thune, Republican of South Dakota, who is responsible for Republican messaging. “I suspect there’s a reason for bringing it up now.”
No ****, Sherlock.
This is one of the better political moves I've seen the Democrats pull in some time. Like, not only are domestic violence protections for gays and illegal immigrants good policy, but it puts the GOP in a pretty awesome pickle, forcing them to choose between feeding the "Republicans hate women" meme, or getting primaried out of office next election by a "true conservative" who hates gays and illegalz more than them.
Also, the Dems shouldn't have too much trouble breaking a filibuster on this one and ending amendments. Collins and Snowe should definitely be on board, and there are some other Republicans who might cave with the right screws turned. Brown, possibly?