Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Ms. LETLOW. 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. That is why my amendment also rejects a change included in the Democrats' proposal that could lead to violence prevention dollars going to support abortion services. The amendment makes clear that Federal law should not support abortions. Upholding the sanctity of every human life is of utmost importance, and it is critical to ensure that no taxpayer dollars pay for abortions.

Next, my amendment also protects the ability of faith-based organizations to continue helping victims of domestic violence. Countless religious organizations work tirelessly to help protect victims of domestic violence, but the Democrats' radical abortion agenda risks denying victims' access to these providers.

Finally, my amendment brings much-needed transparency and Federal agency accountability to the programs authorized under this law. Congress should have safeguards in place to ensure that these resources are going to the people who truly need them and not being used to push a hidden agenda without the public's knowledge.

The Republican substitute is a carefully crafted set of reforms that puts victims of family violence and the people who serve them first. Furthermore, it is a pro-life amendment strongly opposed by Planned Parenthood.

I urge my colleagues to reject the other side's bill and instead embrace the commonsense, lifesaving provisions included in the Republican substitute amendment.

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