Savanna's Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, Native women in the U.S. face tragically high rates of violence, sexual assault, and murder. According to the CDC, murder is the third leading cause of death among Native women, with rates of violence ten times that of the national average on reservations. I rise today in support of Savanna's Act, which will recognize Native women victims and make sure that their invisibility by law enforcement ends. I understand the devastating effects of colonization and the disproportionate harm and risk for Native women. We must work together to pass Savanna's Act, which will substantially strengthen federal and tribal investigations into the disappearance of Indigenous women, and increase the likelihood of prosecuting these violent crimes. Savanna's Act will also create and improve procedures, communication, and cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and local agencies that may share jurisdiction over these crimes. These provisions will also improve recording and sharing of data so these women are no longer invisible to law enforcement. I thank Rep. Torres for taking the lead on this important piece of legislation. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to cosponsor this life-saving legislation, and I urge House leaders to move swiftly to bring it to the floor for a vote.

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