Editor, Gazette-Journal:

On March 17, First District Rep. Rob Wittman voted against renewing (originally passed in 1994) the Violence Against Women Act (HR 1620) and also voted against removing the deadline for passing the Equal Rights Amendment (HJ Res 17). Both “no” votes were against the best interests of women.

The good news is both bills passed the House with Republican support and are on the way to the Senate in spite of Rob Wittman.

You may remember HR 1620, according the Newport News Daily Press, “…uses federal grants and laws to reduce crimes directed primarily at women.” Mr. Wittman’s press release confirmed his “no” vote, but did not specify any clauses he objected to. He described the bill as “partisan.”

Recall the ERA Amendment (HJ Res 17) would further the possibility the Constitutional Amendment could become law. According to the ERA website, “Without the ERA, the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly guarantee that the rights it protects are held equally by...