On the recordOctober 26, 2021
Madam Speaker, I appreciate Dr. Foxx's strong leadership of the committee and on this important issue. According to CDC estimates, at least one in three Americans has experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by a partner. For decades, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to dedicate resources toward preventing and healing the suffering of these victims. But today, the bill we are considering, H.R. 2119, the Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act, includes several highly concerning provisions. First, this bill opens the door for entities to spend taxpayer dollars on abortions. Secondly, it forces an unnecessary conversation about sexual orientation and gender identity when these issues have never been a part of this bill before and should not be a barrier between people and the services they need. Our focus must be on supporting survivors and those who use these vital resources. That is why my substitute amendment replaces the full text of the bill before us with multiple key provisions to ensure victims of domestic violence and their dependents receive critical assistance to help them in their time of crisis. First, my amendment reauthorizes the current Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, for the next 5 years, ensuring that victims of domestic violence get the lifesaving, supportive services they need. FVPSA was enacted to save innocent lives, not put them in harm's way.…





