The House version of the bill is expected to fail. House likely to pass women's bill

House Republicans seem to be resigned that their version of the Violence Against Women Act is a loser with their own members and are likely to pass the Senate bill this week without changes.

The GOP leadership has set up a floor process that would allow the chamber to vote on the Senate bill if they cannot pass their own version of the domestic violence legislation.


The Republican bill — which has encountered rough water — will be set up as an amendment to the Senate’s bipartisan bill. And if that amendment fails — which Republican insiders expect — the House would then vote on the Senate’s bill.

House action starts tomorrow, when the chamber will vote on the rule for debate. Final passage is expected on Thursday — the last day in session for the week.

The move is, essentially, a concession that House Republicans cannot pass their own version of the Violence Against Women Act after many, many months.

It’s another example of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s chamber leading the way to crafting legislation that get signed by President Barack Obama.

The main lingering issues for the House’s bill was how it handled violence in tribal areas.

The White House on Tuesday said it “cannot support the House substitute” to the Senate bill.