Political Quotes

“Madam Chair, my amendment would add an additional $5 million for DOJ grants to Tribal Governments to support the exercise special jurisdiction over those who commit domestic violence related offenses on tribal lands. Tribal sovereignty is absolute and non-negotiable. This amendment fulfills our trust obligation to our First Peoples. That is why in 2013, when I led VA WA reauthorization, I fought to grant tribes the ability to prosecute those who commit acts of domestic violence on tribal lands. This ability is essential to protecting American Indian and Alaskan Native women who currently experience the highest rates of domestic and sexual violence. Relying solely on federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these cases has been wholly inadequate, allowing many to escape justice despite committing despicable crimes against Native women. With this year's VA WA reauthorization, we built on previous changes to allow tribes to act swiftly against those non-Native perpetrators who assault law enforcement, commit sexual violence, engage in sex trafficking, and engage in stalking. We need to give them funding to robustly carry out existing and new responsibilities. My amendment helps to that. I thank my cosponsors, Rep. Deb Haaland, and Rep. Sharice Davids, for their support and for working on this issue and I urge the House to support my amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendments en bloc offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Serrano).…”