Several Republicans accused Democrats of election-year politics . Sen. Jon Kyl : Republicans think it was his idea to suddenly put VAWA on the floor , just after high-profile battles over other women 's issues -- like abortion and contraception -- were in the news . "It is clear from the letter that they have put political motives ahead of national security and constitutional principles." He cites `` significant budget restraints '' vs. the effort to expand the legislation . Sen. Jeff Sessions , R-Alabama , accused reporters of `` carrying ( Chuck ) Schumer 's water ''
Several Republicans accused Democrats of election-year politics . Sen. Jon Kyl : "It is clear from the letter that they have put political motives ahead of national security and constitutional principles." He cites `` significant budget restraints '' vs. the effort to expand the legislation . Sen. Jeff Sessions , R-Alabama , accused reporters of `` carrying ( Chuck ) Schumer 's water ''