WASHINGTON, March 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement today after President Obama signed a bill reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, a  law that has helped millions of women and children escape abuse:

“The Violence Against Women Act is an extremely important law and has helped protect women in Vermont and across our country for nearly 20 years. While the incidence of domestic violence has been reduced, too many women and girls are still suffering from domestic violence and sexual abuse. I applaud Sen. Leahy’s leadership on this issue and congratulate him on passage of this crucial law.”