A bill to protect victims of domestic violence comes up for a vote this week in the U.S. Senate. Some Senate Republicans oppose the legislation because it expands prosecutorial powers for native American tribes, and adds protection for battered illegal immigrants, gays, and lesbians.
U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) is a co-sponsor of the bill. He says the provisions that have been criticized aren’t central to the legislation. “I believe these are critical programs that need to be re-authorized and I’m going to be a strong advocate for it.”
Crapo hopes debate in the Senate will improve the bill and help move it forward to passage. He has been a longtime supporter of laws to protect victims of domestic violence.
Copyright 2012 Boise State Public Radio.