[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 110 (Monday, July 26, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2010

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
725, the Tribal Law and Order Act Amendments of 2010 as amended by the 
Senate, which would address the issues of violence and sexual assault 
that occur on Indian Reservations. I would like to thank Congressman Ed 
Pastor for his leadership in introducing this bill to the House floor.
  Mr. Speaker, the Tribal Law and Order Act is an amendment to H.R. 
725, The Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The Tribal Law and Order Act will 
create accountability measures for the Federal agencies that are 
responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime that occurs on 
Indian Reservations. The act would also equip Indian tribes with the 
means necessary to tackle crime within their local areas.
  Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to say that domestic violence and sexual 
assault occur quite frequently on Indian Reservations. Most of the 
victims to such violent crimes are Indian women and children. 
Statistics show that one in three American Indian women will be raped 
in their lifetime and two out of every five women will face domestic 
violence. Within most Indian Reservations, very little police patrol 
takes place and tribal courts have very limited jurisdiction. Currently 
tribal courts have a maximum sentencing of only one year, and non 
Indian criminal offenders cannot be tried under tribal courts. These 
restrictions continue to put innocent men, women, and children at risk 
for higher incidents of violent and heinous crimes.
  Native American communities continue to suffer from the effects of 
poverty, substance addiction, and other health related diseases. 
Unfortunately these communities have been some of the most underserved 
in our nation. Rampant violent crime that is preventable should not be 
an outstanding statistic among Indian Reservations. As a Representative 
from California, a state that has a large population of Native 
Americans, I am deeply committed to seeing the progress of these 
communities and ensuring that justice is rightfully served.
  Mr.Speaker, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 725 is a way to ensure that 
the criminal justice system is improved among Indian nations and also 
that federal law enforcement becomes more responsive to the instances 
that occur on tribal land. It is critical that attention be given to 
our nation's justice system and the victims that rely on it the most in 
order to seek justice. In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support 
H.R. 725 as amended by the Senate.

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