violence against women act

As a senator, President Biden played a key role in passing the landmark 1994 law, which he called "one of my proudest legislative achievements." It wasn't reauthorized in 2018 over partisan disputes.

Under federal law, people sexually assaulted don't have to pay for their medical forensic exams. Yet some have trouble getting the hospitals or collection agencies to stop dunning them for payment.

Lawmakers planned to extend the law, but it expired on Friday. Payment requests from VAWA-funded programs will be delayed until the law is reauthorized, but grants already given will not be affected.