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Even though the Senate has formed a circle and is getting ready to open fire on each other with the impeachment "trial", some activity is going forward on the Hill. The 1999 Violence Against Women Act will be introduced next week. The House version includes job protections for women who may have to take time off from work to go to court on violence-related matters, protections for battered immigrant women, and protections for disabled women. This strong bipartisan bill is being introduced by Rep. Connie Morella (R-MD; 202-225-5341; fax 202-225-1389; E-mail) and John Conyers (D-MI; 202-225-5126; fax 202-225-0072; E-mail), with 150 co-sponsors in the House. That means it's a serious bill and your Rep. ought to be a cosponsor if s/he is not already. On the Senate side, Senator Joe Biden (D-DE; 202-224-5042; fax 202-224-0139; E-mail) is all set to introduce "VAWA Lite," a weaker sister that does not contain the same protections. Advocates in New York are urging Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY; 202-224-6542; fax 202-228-3027; no e-mail) to make them proud they elected him instead of Alphonse D'Amato (R-Sayonara) by introducing the stronger version in the Senate (Schumer was a force behind the original VAWA when he was a member of the House). Join New York's chorus by calling 202-224-3121 (or e-mail your Representative and Senator) to reach any office in the House or Senate -- then ask your members if they're behind the strong version of VAWA -- and if not why not.

(WFF 1/15/99)