Ann Kirkpatrick: “I was born and raised on the White Mountain Apache Nation. The necklace I wear today was made by an Apache woman. I've…”

“I was born and raised on the White Mountain Apache Nation. The necklace I wear today was made by an Apache woman. I've seen firsthand the troubles and hardships that our tribes experience. Now I represent 12 Native American tribes, and I'm here standing on the floor of Congress to give them a voice. Our Native American women, who need resources and protection, face great hardships. They often live in very remote areas. Unfortunately, Native American women are two-and-a-half times more likely to be assaulted in their lifetimes than other women. As a prosecutor, I also saw firsthand the need to protect those who are vulnerable. That's why I have pushed so hard for the bipartisan Senate-passed version of this legislation. This legislation strengthens protections for Native American women and so many others. My district needs this legislation. I urge my colleagues from both sides to come together and pass the Senate version of the Violence Against Women Act today. Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”