At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Susan Collins questioned Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding proposed budget cuts to programs under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). These programs support survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Department of Justice suggests reducing funding for the Office on Violence Against Women from $713 million in Fiscal Year 2025 to $505 million, marking a nearly 30 percent decrease.
Senator Collins, who co-sponsored the VAWA Reauthorization Act in 2022, emphasized the importance of these programs. "The programs authorized by this law are critical to reducing violence against women," she stated. She highlighted that reductions would affect transitional housing assistance, sexual assault services, and rural victims' programs.
Attorney General Bondi responded by acknowledging her personal commitment to combating domestic violence. "When I began as a prosecutor, I started in the domestic violence unit," she shared. Bondi explained that while the budget is leaner, it still allocates $505 million towards preventing and responding to violence against women, including grants and services.
Collins expressed hope for collaboration with Bondi to address funding concerns, particularly in rural areas lacking sufficient services. Bondi agreed on the importance of addressing these issues across all states and committed to working with Senator Collins and others.
