The government shut down a full week ago. During that time, a law that was passed back in 1994 expired without being renewed and it could have local ramifications.
The Violence Against Women Act was passed in 1994, and renewed back in 2013. At the time, both Senator Mike Crapo and Representative Mike Simpson supported the law. The law adds enforcement of crimes and protects women from abusers, but now there are concerns about its future.
A member of Crapo's staff said the senator hopes to make sure the renewal is part of the first funding bill, whenever the government ends it's shutdown. That is likely to be in Janurary.
Representative Simpson's office issued a statement saying "Congressman Mike Simpson joined several of his colleagues trying to include VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) in the final bills this congress, and unfortunately were unsuccessful. However, it is a top priority for both republicans and democrats and he looks forward to passing legislation early next year."
Next week on 6 On Your Side, we will be talking with local women's advocacy organizations about what the loss of the VAWA means for them.
