WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that President Biden has asked for $1 billion to support Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs at the Department of Justice as part of his Fiscal Year 2022 budget, a $487 million or 95 percent increase over the 2021 enacted level. This follows a letter Klobuchar led last month, joined by 27 of her Senate colleagues, urging President Biden to prioritize funding for VAWA programs, particularly after increased reports of domestic violence during the pandemic.

“For years, I have made protecting victims of domestic violence one of my top priorities,” said Klobuchar. “I applaud the President’s support for programs that provide critical resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – and I will work with my Senate colleagues to pass a budget that provides the services and care victims need. We should also pass the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which includes several provisions based on my bills to protect survivors from gun violence and improve law enforcement’s response to sexual assault crimes. It is past time to pass this legislation to protect women, children, and families.”

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