U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett represents communities from Austin to San Antonio in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves as Chairman of the Health Subcommittee on the House Ways & Means Committee. Doggett also serves on the Ways and Means Select Revenue Measures Subcommittee, the Ways and Means Oversight Subcommittee, the Joint Committee on Taxation, and the House Budget Committee.
Congressman Doggett has won awards for his commitment to our environment and clean energy initiatives from organizations like the Trust for Public Land, Austin Sierra Club, and the National Parks Conservation Association.He is the recipient of the Texas League of Conservation Voters' inaugural Environmental Champion Award and with a lifetime score of 100% from the Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund.Congressman Doggett is an active member of the Safe Climate Caucus and the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition.
I will continue to stand up for equal rights and equal respect for all Americans, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.
Every person deserves a safe workplace and equal employment opportunities and no one should be discriminated against for their sexual orientation or gender identity. My efforts are reflected in the Equality Texas "Spirit of Texas" Lifetime Achievement Award for my work fighting for equality and against discrimination. I am also a member of the House LGBT Caucus, the largest LGBT Equality Caucus in the history of the U.S. House of Representatives.
I strongly believe that sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence are inexcusable, no matter whom the perpetrator is. Regardless of who is accused, all allegations of sexual violence must be taken seriously. I admire the brave people who have had the courage to share their stories, and I stand with the many who have not done so, knowing that this is a personal and difficult matter.
As a longtime advocate for victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence, this behavior must end wherever it occurs. I am an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Reauthorization Act, which would build upon the success of VAWA by expanding programs to address gun violence, dating violence, bullying, and housing discrimination. Of particular importance, this legislation would prevent individuals subject to restraining orders for domestic violence or stalking from possessing a firearm. Repeatedly, gun violence incidents have been linked to domestic violence, including in our neighboring communities of Sutherland Springs and Santa Fe. It is critical that we pass reasonable gun safety laws, including the provisions in the VAWA Reauthorization Act.
Before there was a Texas Council on Family Violence, I first got involved as a young Texas State Senator in helping a group of committed Central Texas women secure state funds to launch what was then the Center for Battered Women.