Hillary Clinton spoke Monday, September 14, in Cedar Falls, Iowa, to survivors of sexual assault and then to college students about her proposal to combat the epidemic of sexual assault on college campuses. Hillary described the confidential and organized resources for help that she believes should be available to every student who has suffered a sexual assault.
HILLARY CLINTON: “Don’t let anyone silence your voice,” she said. “You have the right to be heard, you have the right to be believed and we are with you as you go forward.”
Unfortunately, Republican presidential candidates have been less detailed on their plans to eliminate sexual assault and some candidates have voted against policies meant to curb sexual assault – just another example of how the Republican field’s policies are out of date and out of touch.
TED CRUZ voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. “The Senate overwhelmingly voted to pass the Violence Against Women Act today, 78-22. Opposition to the bill came entirely from Republicans, including both Texas Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn. Sean Rushton, a spokesman for Cruz, said the new senator has led the fight against violent crime in Texas, especially sexual predators. ‘Nevertheless, he voted against this federal law because stopping and punishing violent criminals is primarily a state responsibility, and the federal government does not need to be dictating state criminal law,’ Rushton said.” [Houston Chronicle, 2/12/13, Senate roll call vote 19, 2/12/13]
RAND PAUL voted against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. “Why it matters: Ryan is one of three current members of Congress frequently mentioned as a potential 2016 presidential candidate. The other two — Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — both voted against reauthorizing VAWA, citing a preference that such decisions be made locally.” [Washington Post, 2/28/13; Senate roll call vote 19, 2/12/13]
MARCO RUBIO voted against the Violence Against Women Act. “Why it matters: Ryan is one of three current members of Congress frequently mentioned as a potential 2016 presidential candidate. The other two — Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) — both voted against reauthorizing VAWA, citing a preference that such decisions be made locally.” [Washington Post, 2/28/13]