Washington, D.C. — Today, the House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation supported by Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act. This bill would reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), the first federal law to provide resources for survivors of domestic violence, and enhance and refocus federal investment to address intimate partner violence.

Following passage, Kuster released the following statement:

“As founder and co-chair of the Bipartisan Task Force to End Sexual Violence, I was proud to join with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA). This bill increases funding to support emergency shelters and other resources for survivors and families fleeing domestic violence. It also makes crucial investments in violence-prevention initiatives and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. I’ve been heartbroken to hear from survivors about how the COVID-19 pandemic has made it more challenging to find safety and reestablish financial security, so it is painfully clear this reauthorization is urgently needed. This year, the House has voted to reauthorize FVPSA, the Violence Against Women Act, and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act – the three core pillars of federal funding for combating sexual and domestic violence. I urge the Senate to move quickly and send these bills to President Biden’s desk. Survivors need this support and deserve to know that Congress stands with them.”

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