Zahara Jolie Pitt is done with her first semester at Spelman. She was back home in LA over the weekend, and photographers got some exclusive pics of Angelina Jolie and Zahara out shopping. It wasn’t all fun and games though – Zahara and Angelina got on a plane to Washington on Tuesday and they spent two days visiting senators, congressmen and President Biden. Their trip was to advocate for the passage of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act. Zahara and Angelina were in Washington back in March working on the same issues, and they met a lot of the same people on this trip.
Angelina Jolie and daughter Zahara Jolie-Pitt concluded a two-day visit to Washington, D.C. on Wednesday after meeting with lawmakers to advocate for the passage of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act of 2022, which aims to protect crime victims. In addition to creating a new crime victims’ right to evidence and agency reports, the measure aims to improve forensic science, end the rape kit backlog, and address racial disparities in wrongful convictions that persist in America’s criminal legal system.
A source close to the actress and humanitarian told PEOPLE that Jolie and her daughter spent the trip meeting with members of Congress and the White House to discuss a new provision in the legislation, which would give crime victims access to crime reports and evidence of their abuse.
“Currently, there’s no method within the federal government that provides crime victims with a right of access to their own records of crimes they experienced and reported,” Jolie, a longtime advocate for refugees through her work with the United Nations, told lawmakers. She continued: “This is an issue across the country. Survivors need their records of reporting crimes they or their children experienced to advocate for health and trauma care and for safety protections in family court.” Jolie added that “access to these records should be a right for all families.”
In photos from the visit, the Academy Award winner and her daughter can be seen meeting with Patrick Leahy, one of the bill’s sponsors, and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
The source told PEOPLE the actress also met with members of the White House Gender Policy Council about legislative priorities ahead of this week’s launch of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence and also attended Tuesday’s signing of the Respect for Marriage Act.
“I was honored to attend this historic and joyous bill signing for a law that ensures dignity and safety for LGBTQ and interracial couples and families,” Jolie told PEOPLE in a statement. “While in DC advocating on issues concerning abuse with those who’ve been affected, Zahara and I were glad to also celebrate love and the security the Respect for Marriage Act provides.”
I have this fantasy that Angelina and Zahara went to the White House to meet some of the policymakers and those White House senior staffers were like “hey, you two should stay for the Respect for Marriage Act signing party.” And they did. This is like the third or fourth time (that we know of) where Angelina has gotten facetime with Biden White House staffers, if not President Biden himself. Dark Brandon likes Angie and Miss Z. As for her meetings on the Hill, she’s been quite the regular, and she schedules meetings with Republicans and Democrats. She believes that advocating for women and children should be across party lines. You would be surprised by how few Republicans feel that way.
It was great to meet with the talented Angelina Jolie this morning to discuss the Justice for All Act, which enhances protections for crime victims while preventing wrongful convictions. I voted for the bill in 2004 and hope that we can reauthorize it soon. pic.twitter.com/BpqW2cqle4
— Rep. Nadler (@RepJerryNadler) December 14, 2022
Angelina Jolie met with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Wednesday, as well as John Cornyn, Patrick Leahy, Joni Ernst, to press for passage of the Justice for All Reauthorization Act. pic.twitter.com/4m4SD4LGEk
— Ted Johnson (@tedstew) December 14, 2022
Photos courtesy of Getty, Instar.
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- -Washington, District of Columbia – 20220209-Press conference announcing the bipartisan updated Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the US Capitol in Washington -PICTURED: Angelina Jolie -PHOTO by: Bonnie Cash/CNP/startraksphoto.com -020922_VAWA-Jolie-CNP_014 This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Startraks Photo for licensing fee and rights information at sales@startraksphoto.com or call +1 212 414 9464 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
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- -Washington, District of Columbia – 20220209-Press conference announcing the bipartisan updated Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the US Capitol in Washington -PICTURED: Angelina Jolie -PHOTO by: Bonnie Cash/CNP/startraksphoto.com -020922_VAWA-Jolie-CNP_013 This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Startraks Photo for licensing fee and rights information at sales@startraksphoto.com or call +1 212 414 9464 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
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- -Washington, District of Columbia – 20220209-Press conference announcing the bipartisan updated Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the US Capitol in Washington -PICTURED: Angelina Jolie -PHOTO by: Bonnie Cash/CNP/startraksphoto.com -020922_VAWA-Jolie-CNP_018 This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Startraks Photo for licensing fee and rights information at sales@startraksphoto.com or call +1 212 414 9464 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
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- -Washington, District of Columbia – 20220209-Press conference announcing the bipartisan updated Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) at the US Capitol in Washington -PICTURED: Angelina Jolie With Daughter Zahara -PHOTO by: Bonnie Cash/CNP/startraksphoto.com -020922_VAWA-Jolie-CNP_022 This is an editorial, rights-managed image. Please contact Startraks Photo for licensing fee and rights information at sales@startraksphoto.com or call +1 212 414 9464 This image may not be published in any way that is, or might be deemed to be, defamatory, libelous, pornographic, or obscene. Please consult our sales department for any clarification needed prior to publication and use. Startraks Photo reserves the right to pursue unauthorized users of this material. If you are in violation of our intellectual property rights or copyright you may be liable for damages, loss of income, any profits you derive from the unauthorized use of this material and, where appropriate, the cost of collection and/or any statutory damages awarded
Angie just being Angie, I’m so proud of her and Zahara. Imagine if they partnered with Archewell 😀
I also have a fantasy that Madonna would realize that her singing career is over and that she would join Angelina Jolie’s cause for women and children. Madonna would be an asset to the cause because she has a strong personality and when she puts her mind to something she does well.
Madonna is too self absorbed at this point to do that. Sadly.
This is a great bill – I’m surprised Mariska Hargitay isn’t in DC too as she’s been a long time vocal activist on clearing the Rape Kit Backlog. (No shade, she’s probably busy leading SVU and raising three kids.)
This is the healthiest she’s looked in a long time in my opinion
I can certainly see why this is a cause she can get behind what with the abuse she and the kids suffered
*cough.* looking square at you pitt.
She is such a wonderful advocate and has been so for a long time.
Imagine growing up with such a mother. I have hopes of Zahara and the others becoming forces for good as they grow older.
That’s a slippery slope. Imagine growing up and your mom is Angelina Jolie. No pressure to live up to those expectations and make sure you ‘earn it’, especially as an adopted child.
I would say, I hope Z grows up happy and gets to pursue her dreams.
It kind of gives me the *good* chills. I love hearing about women like her really rising to the occasion and being such incredible role models for the girls in their lives.
I just have so much respect for Angelina and the journey she’s been on. How anyone could look at her life over the last 20 years, or even just the last 8 years, and not have respect for the humanitarian work she’s done or the way she’s put her own family first is beyond me.
I absolutely respect her too, Shane. Angie and Meghan are my heroes; they suffered abuse, escaped the RF and now thrive in the safety of the people who love them. I went through my own story of abuse and am free but I am not thriving, I’m struggling to get through each day. I admire their strength and they inspire me daily to do better and become my best self.
Sending love and strength for your journey, Serenity. May you flourish in the days ahead. ❤️
Sending strength to you @Serenity. Find your inner Angie, your inner Meghan. They are there within you . They are in all of us who have suffered abuse and live on, our heads raised. Proud. Strong even when you don’t think or feel you are. You are! Hugs.
I hope that being in a position to advocate in this way and see tangible changes being enacted helps her and her family heal from the abuse they endured. Control seems to be at the heart of so much abuse and they are taking that back beyond their own lives and experiences.
Wonderful, just plain dope. Setting great examples for her kids and being an awesome human.