Three Jewish groups praised the Senate’s reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and urged the House of Representatives to follow suit.

By a 78-22 vote, the Senate on Feb. 19 approved the bill to reauthorize the act first passed in 1994 for another five years. The bill had guaranteed passage in the Democratic-led Senate but garnered substantial Republican support, as well.

An effort to renew the act last year was stymied by objections in the House of Representatives. At the time, Republicans objected to expansions that would cover same-sex couples and would reinforce coverage for undocumented immigrants and Native Americans.

“The Violence Against Women Act has already reduced the rate of domestic violence by more than 50 percent since its original passage in 1994,” Jewish Women International said in its supporting statement.

Also applauding the reauthorization of the act were the Reform moment and the National Council of Jewish Women. — jta