In Support of H.R. the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, today, I voted in favor of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act. It is important for our Nation to address the scourge of domestic violence, which affects far too many residents of our country, and I am disappointed that the legislation before the House today could not be written, and ultimately passed, on a bipartisan basis. Domestic violence transcend politics and does not discriminate based on political preference.

There are provisions in this legislation that are important to constituencies I represent. My home state of Oklahoma is home to some of the largest Tribal populations. I am pleased that H.R. 2119 provides increased resources to Tribal nations to fully respond to domestic violence in their communities. Specifically, H.R. 2119 increases the tribal set-aside for grant funding from 10 percent to 12.5 percent. This increased set-aside will improve technical assistance to Tribes, development of domestic violence prevention strategies, and implementation of community responses to reduce risk factors for family violence. Moreover, the implementation of a new emergency hotline dedicated to serving Indians affected by domestic violence will significantly benefit the Native American population.

Yet I also recognize that the bill voted on today has some very real problems. I have concerns with several key provisions, which is why it is my hope that if the Senate passes its own version of this legislation, these troubled provisions could be eliminated in a conference between both chambers. If not, then I reserve the right to vote no on any vote on final passage.

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