Raúl Grijalva: “The underlying bill will provide a historic extension of Tribal jurisdiction and ensure that more Native people receive…”

“The underlying bill will provide a historic extension of Tribal jurisdiction and ensure that more Native people receive the proper legal protections against people who commit violence toward them. Unfortunately, during the historic passage of the 2013 Violence Against Women reauthorization, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe quickly realized the cost of implementing this important provision was pricey. Cost concerns about implementing Tribal jurisdiction are generally related to incarceration, healthcare, and jury selection. Further, a National Congress of American Indians report found that there are multiple implementation costs related to incarceration, healthcare, code development, law enforcement, and prosecutors. This hinders some Tribes from implementing the most important provisions related to the Violence Against Women Act. Unlike States, Tribes do not have the ability to tax for the costs related to implementing these important provisions that protect its people. With the support of Representative Kildee, who represents the area of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, the amendment I am offering will help alleviate the costs Tribes will incur due to the expanded criminal jurisdiction provision. This amendment would authorize the Department of Justice to reimburse Tribes that incur costs related to arrest, indigent defense services, and rehabilitation services.…”