Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and now more than ever, we must recommit ourselves to eliminating the threat of domestic violence and ensure survivors have the support they need to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.

The bill before us today is the only federal funding source dedicated to domestic violence prevention programs, and it is critical this bill is passed to continue funding lifesaving services like emergency shelters, counseling, and crisis hotlines for survivors and their children.

FVPSA has been a key pillar in our nation's strategy to eradicate domestic violence. It has made a difference in my home state. and this bill is estimated to provide a 50 percent funding increase to $4.5 million that will undoubtedly strengthen care for survivors across Michigan.

In addition to improving this law and increasing its resources, we must continue working together to advance comprehensive legislative solutions that protect Americans from the threat of domestic violence.

This issue is personal for me--I've seen it up close growing up. No woman, no child, no person, and no family should fear for their life because of domestic violence. That's why I am a proud co-chair of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, a group we established in 2018 to unite members from both sides of the aisle to achieve a common purpose: ending domestic violence.

This is not a partisan issue--it's an American issue--and I am honored to work alongside a bipartisan coalition of members who are just as dedicated to accomplishing this task. Our goal today, tomorrow, and each day after will be to end domestic violence and ensure survivors are given the support they deserve.

Earlier this year, the House also reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act. This bill includes vital improvements to address gaps that have been identified by survivors, and I was glad several legislative pieces of mine were included in its reauthorization.

My Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act was again included that would close loopholes that make it easy for domestic abusers to purchase weapons without passing a background check. Additionally, this bill reauthorizes the VAWA Health program at increased levels that helps train health care providers and strengthens collaborations between public health and domestic violence agencies. Finally, it includes my amendment that would update how survivors of domestic violence can obtain protection orders.

Our work is far from over. Without reauthorization of FVPSA and VAWA, programs to help survivors are losing critical funding. We must demonstrate that protecting and expanding resources for survivors are top priorities. I urge all my colleagues to support me in passing this important piece of legislation, and l call on the Senate to swiftly act to protect survivors across the nation.

I would like to thank leadership for bringing this bill to the floor and my colleagues, Reps. McBath, Moore, Young, and Katko for their bipartisan work on this bill.

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