Rep. Walberg Lying About Vote on Violence Against Women Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan

Friday, March 1, 2013
Contact: Jessica Tramontana, jessica@progressmichigan.org, 517-974-6302

After voting NO, Congressman tells local radio station he voted YES

LANSING – Yesterday Congressman Tim Walberg (R-Tipton) voted NO on a bill to re-authorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). According to the official Congressional Roll Call, Walberg was one of 138 members who opposed the legislation.

However, this morning Rep. Walberg told a local radio station that “he was proud to have voted in support of the act.” Walberg explained how “as a husband, father of a daughter and grandfather of a granddaughter, he is strongly committed to ensuring that all women have access to resources they need to protect themselves, their children and their families.”

“I’ve heard some whoppers from Washington politicians before, but Rep. Walberg has taken lying to a whole new level,” said Jessica Tramontana, Communications Director for Progress Michigan. “It was bad enough that Walberg betrayed Michigan women by voting no on this important legislation, but to turn around and claim he voted for it is beyond insulting. As a father and a former minister, Walberg should be ashamed of himself. Michigan’s women deserve better from our elected leaders.”

Congressman Walberg has a history of taking credit for bills that he voted against. In 2007, Walberg sent press releases touting an earmark for new buses for the Jackson Transportation Authority, which was included in a bill he voted against. The Battle Creek Enquirer responded by writing an editorial that said, “It is the height of cynicism for politicians to think they can voice public support for issues and then turn around and vote in opposition.” [Enquirer, 7/27/07]

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