[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 70 (Wednesday, May 16, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




VOTE ``NO'' ON H.R. 4970, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 
                                  2012

  (Mr. BACA asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 
4970, this misguided GOP reauthorization of the Violence Against Women 
Act.
  Unfortunately, this bill does not do enough to protect the well-being 
of all women. I say again that it does not do enough to protect the 
well-being of all women.
  This reauthorization jeopardizes the safety of our Native American 
women and also the safety of many undocumented women. Neither the 
manager's amendment nor the underlying bill addresses the problems that 
face Indian country. Instead of empowering tribal police and courts to 
stop domestic violence, this legislation unfairly places the burden on 
Native victims. Many of the victims of domestic violence that live on 
the reservations are unable to hire legal counsel and can't travel 
hundreds of miles to Federal courts to petition for protection orders.
  We must protect sovereignty. We must respect sovereignty. Tribal 
courts are the best authorities to issue domestic violence orders of 
protection on reservations.
  Let's stop this partisan bill. Let's work together on a new approach 
that values the safety of Native Americans and undocumented individuals 
in a bipartisan fashion.

                          ____________________