[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 58 (Wednesday, April 3, 2019)] [House] [Pages H3003-H3061] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2019 General Leave Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on H.R. 1585. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from New York? There was no objection. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 281 and rule XVIII, the Chair declares the House in the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill, H.R. 1585. The Chair appoints the gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar) to preside over the Committee of the Whole. {time} 1425 In the Committee of the Whole Accordingly, the House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 1585) to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and for other purposes, with Mr. Aguilar in the chair. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The CHAIR. Pursuant to the rule, the bill is considered read the first time. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins) each will control 30 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, will not only reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, also known as VAWA, but will also strengthen and expand the act's critical programs. VAWA's grant programs provide communities across America the crucial assistance they need to combat crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. H.R. 1585 builds on this foundation by enhancing the services available under these programs and by expanding their reach to include vulnerable populations who are victims of these crimes. VAWA, which is not gender exclusive, addresses the needs of men and women, children, persons with disabilities, homeless persons, and LGBTQ people, among others. Importantly, H.R. 1585 includes new protections for transgender individuals. The range of individuals VAWA helps is broad and should be as diverse as our communities around the country. I am pleased that this reauthorization continues our commitment to this important principle. This bill reauthorizes a wide variety of grant programs, including programs to help prosecute violent crimes against women and to provide services to sexual assault victims. It also strengthens various nondiscrimination provisions, provides greater protections for survivors during the prosecution of perpetrators, expands services for older survivors of abuse, authorizes programs specifically targeted toward rural areas, strengthens protections against gun violence in domestic abuse situations, and expands the jurisdiction of some Tribal authorities over non-Indians who commit certain crimes on Tribal lands. I want to thank Ms. Bass, the chair of the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security and the sponsor of this legislation, for her outstanding leadership in the effort to reauthorize VAWA. I also want to thank Ms. Jackson Lee for her longstanding and tireless efforts over the years to protect and strengthen the act. Thanks to their efforts and the efforts of many others, this bill will not only continue the progress enabled by VAWA as originally enacted, but it will also make the act an even more effective tool in addressing the horrible scourge of domestic violence. Mr. Chair, accordingly, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time. [[Page H3004]] House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Pallone: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Energy and Commerce, Washington, DC, March 21, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chair, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chair: I write concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019,'' as amended, which was additionally referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of H.R. 1585, the Committee on Energy and Commerce agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. The Committee takes this action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. I also request that you support my request to name members of the Committee on Energy and Commerce to any conference committee to consider such provisions. Finally, I would appreciate the inclusion of this letter in the report on the bill and into the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1585. Sincerely, Frank Pallone, Jr., Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Waters: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, March 21, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' Because you have been working with the Committee on Financial Services concerning provisions in the bill that fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo formal consideration of the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. I do so based on my understanding that the Committee on the Judiciary will work to ensure that the text of H.R. 1585 that will be considered by House of Representatives will include changes that are being discussed between the two Committees with respect to certain provisions that are within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services, provided that the relevant texts are submitted to the Committee on the Judiciary in a timely manner. The Committee on Financial Services takes this action to forego formal consideration of H.R. 1585 with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing formal consideration of H.R. 1585 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that our Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this or similar legislation moves forward. Our Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation and request your support for any such request. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and, while I understand that your letter to the Committee and my response will be included in the Committee report on H.R. 1585, I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1585. Sincerely, Maxine Waters, Chairwoman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 21, 2019. Hon. Maxine Waters, Chairwoman, Committee on Financial Services, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairwoman Waters: I am writing to acknowledge your letter dated March 21, 2019 responding to our request to your Committee that it waive any jurisdictional claims over the matters contained in H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019,'' that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. The Committee on the Judiciary confirms our mutual understanding that your Committee does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within your Committee's jurisdiction. I will ensure that this exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Richard Neal, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Neal: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, March 18, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Nadler: In recognition of the desire to expedite consideration of H.R. 1585, Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, the Committee on Ways and Means agrees to waive formal consideration of the bill as to provisions that fall within the rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. The Committee on Ways and Means takes this action with the mutual understanding that we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within our jurisdiction. The Committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation. Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming this understanding, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letter on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1585. Sincerely, Richard E. Neal, Chairman. [[Page H3005]] ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 21, 2019. Hon. Richard Neal, Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Neal: I am writing to acknowledge your letter dated March 18, 2019 responding to our request to your Committee that it waive any jurisdictional claims over the matters contained in H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019,'' that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. The Committee on the Judiciary confirms our mutual understanding that your Committee does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within your Committee's jurisdiction. I will ensure that this exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Bobby Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Scott: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Education and Labor. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, March 20, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, House Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Nadler: I write concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' This bill was primarily referred to the Committee on the Judiciary and secondarily to the Committee on Education and Labor. As a result of your having consulted with me concerning this bill generally, I agree to forgo consideration of the bill in Committee so the bill may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. The Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1585, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and we will be, appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so we may address any remaining issue within our Rule X jurisdiction. Additionally, I respectfully request your support for the appointment of conferees from the Committee on Education and Labor should this bill or similar language be considered in a conference with the Senate. Finally, I would appreciate a response confirming this understanding and ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of H.R. 1585. Respectfully, Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 21, 2019. Hon. Bobby Scott, Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Scott: I am writing to acknowledge your letter dated March 20, 2019 responding to our request to your Committee that it waive any jurisdictional claims over the matters contained in H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019,'' that fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. The Committee on the Judiciary confirms our mutual understanding that your Committee does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and your Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as the bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues within your Committee's jurisdiction. I will ensure that this exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Raul Grijalva, Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Grijalva: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Natural Resources. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Natural Resources, Washington, DC, March 18, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chair, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chair: I write concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019,'' as amended, which was additionally referred to the Committee on Natural Resources. I will allow the Committee on Natural Resources to be discharged from further consideration of the bill. I do so with the understanding that the Committee does not waive any jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the bill that fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. I also request that you support my request to name members of the Committee on Natural Resources to any conference committee to consider such provisions. Finally, please include this letter in the report on the bill and into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Raul Grijalva, Chair, Committee on Natural Resources. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, March 14, 2019. Hon. Mark Takano, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Takano: I am writing to you concerning H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.'' I appreciate your willingness to work cooperatively on this legislation. I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. I acknowledge that your Committee will not formally consider H.R. 1585 and agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in H.R. 1585 which fall within your Committee's Rule X jurisdiction. I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Jerrold Nadler, Chairman. ____ House of Representatives, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC, March 18, 2019. Hon. Jerrold Nadler, Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Nadler: I write concerning H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 1585 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I forego any further consideration of this bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Committee on Veterans' Affairs takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1585 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee [[Page H3006]] will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Further I request your support for the appointment of conferees from the Committee on Veterans' Affairs during any House-Senate conference convened on this or related legislation. Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the bill report filed by the Judiciary Committee, as well as in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Sincerely, Mark Takano, Chairman. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Mr. Chair, I support reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. I believe the intent of this legislation is commendable, and many of the programs it authorizes are critical. This is a bill that should be and should have broad bipartisan support. It is a bill that should transcend the political games which we see too often in Washington, and we should approach it methodically and wholistically. Unfortunately, instead of good faith collaboration, my colleagues across the aisle have doubled down on partisan politics at the expense of good policy. They have sought, at every turn, to make this bill into a political weapon rather than a critical resource for victims and tools to support law enforcement. I tried to meet with my Democratic colleagues to negotiate a meaningful reauthorization of VAWA. We tried to engage with other Members in bipartisan, bicameral negotiations, although our efforts were rebuffed, and we were handed the flawed bill that is before us today. My colleagues across the aisle informed us H.R. 1585 would be the bill. This is particularly unfortunate because this bill is dead on arrival in the Senate. There are areas where both sides can agree, areas where we can strengthen existing law. Instead of seeking out those areas and negotiating in good faith, they have decided a highly partisan bill with zero chance of moving forward in the Senate was the best way to approach reauthorizing crucial VAWA programs. {time} 1430 Remember, Republicans tried to add a short-term extension of VAWA to the funding bill in February when Congresswoman Lesko offered it as a previous question. Democrats blocked this attempt and refused to include a short-term extension to allow time for meaningful negotiations to take place. Mr. Chairman, my colleagues and I want to find a solution that helps victims, prevents domestic violence, and strengthens programs that serve vulnerable populations. We stand willing and ready to discuss ways to do that. But I cannot and will not support a bill that undermines and jeopardizes due process; that curtails prosecutorial discretion; that makes it more difficult for victims in rural areas to find housing; that could weaken programs for female victims; that could re-victimize abused women; and that undercuts the Second Amendment rights. This bill contains a large expansion of unemployment insurance benefits, which amounts to a new tax on employers. This bill continues to expand the focus of programs past women and children; and this bill fails to provide a faith-based exemption for grant recipients, which could jeopardize these organizations' ability to provide services for victims. Mr. Chairman, this legislation was referred to seven committees. The bill was rushed to markup at the Judiciary Committee, but at least Judiciary actually had a markup. Even though the rushed markup ended in a party-line vote, that markup is far more than the Democrats gave the other committees of jurisdiction. The Ways and Means Committee is the committee with expertise in unemployment insurance benefits, but if you are on that committee, Democrats denied you the chance to weigh in on that issue at committee, and Americans didn't get to benefit from your expertise there. The Financial Services Committee is the committee with expertise on housing issues. But if you are on that committee, you were shut down as well; this bill moving ahead without the benefit of your consideration. Democrats also denied the Natural Resources, Education and Labor, Veterans' Affairs, and Energy and Commerce Committees the chance to weigh in on a bill with provisions that sit squarely within their jurisdiction. I want to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. I want to do it in a way that meets the fundamental goals and intent of the original law, and I want to recognize changes that need to be addressed. Simply put, I want to find a bipartisan, bicameral agreement that Democrats shunned when they rushed this bill to the floor. This bill could actually put women at greater risk in some of the programs it authorizes, and it is not a solution that I can support. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Demings), the vice-chair of the Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security Subcommittee. Mrs. DEMINGS. Mr. Chairman, some of the hardest calls law enforcement officers take are intimate partner violence calls. These situations are heartbreaking, volatile, dangerous, and far too commonplace. Domestic violence affects every community and crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines. It is heartbreaking and even more tragic because domestic violence is often preventable. That is the purpose of the Violence Against Women Act. One in five homicides in Florida is a result of domestic violence. In 2016, over 100,000 domestic violence incidents were reported to police in Florida. Since I began my remarks, three women have been beaten, battered, or murdered. Mr. Chairman, these calls are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. When law enforcement responds to these calls, they too are put at great risk. In 2017, more officers were shot responding to domestic violence calls than any other type of call. All too often, it is a first responder, family member, neighbor, or other loved one who is killed in a domestic violence incident. In fact, these deaths make up 1 of 5 domestic violence homicide victims. We have to train, equip, and empower law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other responders to address intimate partner violence. These programs have already proven effective. Grantees funded by VAWA have trained nearly 90,000 law enforcement officers in best practices and techniques to handle these sensitive situations. But the VAWA reauthorization is not just about continuing these successful programs. It also makes additional improvements which will save lives of victims and responders. Nationwide, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation makes it five times more likely that someone will be killed. The VAWA reauthorization will help law enforcement disarm dangerous people and convicted felons, create new notification systems for law enforcement, address the so-called ``boyfriend loophole'' that lets non-married but dangerous partners get weapons. The Violence Against Women Act reauthorization is a critical step to our efforts to protect these Americans; and I urge my colleagues to support this critical and necessary legislation. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Arizona (Mrs. Lesko). Mrs. LESKO. Mr. Chairman, I am a survivor of domestic violence from a previous marriage. I serve on the advisory council of a domestic violence shelter in my district. I am the co-chairwoman of the Working Group Against Domestic Violence in Congress. So if you haven't figured it out, this issue is very important to me and I want to protect women. Another role I have is, I am co-chairwoman of the Congressional Women's Caucus. And in that, I spoke with my Democratic colleague, and she knew it was an important issue to me, it was an important issue to her, and we really had talked about having a bipartisan approach that all women and all of us could vote on that we would agree on. So once I found out that Representative Bass was going to be the sponsor of the bill, I reached out to her office. [[Page H3007]] We were trying to--we just never were able to get together before the Judiciary Committee markup on the bill, in the attempt to talk with her, to see if she would listen to my concerns. Then, in the Judiciary Committee, I offered an amendment that basically would make sure that domestic violence shelters could protect the victims and keep their privacy private. And that amendment was rejected, and I was told that it was too broad, and those types of things. So in that Judiciary Committee hearing I asked Representative Bass if she would be agreeable to meeting with me, so I could work with her to do an amendment in a bipartisan fashion to protect women and children, and she said absolutely, yes. And, again, I reached out to her office on at least two occasions and never got a response. So I have really tried to work on this in a bipartisan fashion, because there are some concerns I have. And let me tell you the reason why I am going to vote ``no'' on this bill, even though I am a survivor of domestic violence. First of all, the bill forces domestic violence shelters, under penalty of Federal law, this law, to house biological males in with women. And often these women have been abused themselves, and they may not--this may violate their privacy, and it may have risks. The second reason is this bill forces prisons to take in biological males, under penalty of Federal law, and put them in women's prisons. In the United Kingdom this happened, and a male identifying as a woman was placed in a woman's prison and ended up raping women. The third reason is this bill takes away gun rights. The CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. I yield the gentlewoman from Arizona as much time as she may consume. Mrs. LESKO. This bill, thirdly, also takes away gun rights in 2 cases: One with ex parte orders of protection; that is when a woman, like myself, would go in to see a Justice of the Peace; we would get an order of protection. Under this bill, the perpetrator's gun rights would be taken away, even though they weren't there in court. Also, it would take away someone's gun rights if they were convicted of a misdemeanor, which is very rare. So, again, I don't think this bill is going to get heard in the U.S. Senate, which, I hope that my friends on the other side of the aisle-- this is an important issue to all of us, and I hope that we can work together so it is something that I can support, something that we all can support, because it is a really important issue. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Dingell). Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Chair, I rise to discuss the urgent need for Congress to update the Violence Against Women Act and the lifesaving programs it supports. I have a great deal of respect for my co-chair of the Domestic Violence Task Force, but we disagree very strongly on what this bill does. No woman, no child, and no family should fear for their life because of domestic violence. Without updates and support for the critical programs in VAWA, we are moving backwards. Good programs that are there to help victims are now threatened, and it is one more stress being added on to the pile of these victims, and one more fear that we just add to them. In one 24-hour period in Michigan, domestic violence programs answered 408 hotline calls of people in immediate danger, and served 2,359 victims with emergency shelter, transitional housing, counseling, and legal advice. The bill before us today is landmark legislation that will respond to our Nation's crisis of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It will equip our State and local partners to provide compassionate care and support to women, families, and, yes, men, too. We need to admit that sometimes they are victims who need to rebuild their lives and heal. VAWA also includes my Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers to close the loopholes that make it easy for domestic abusers and stalkers to purchase weapons without passing a background check. This isn't a poison pill. This will save a life. Shouldn't we be doing that? Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Miller). Mrs. MILLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak against H.R. 1585. I stand before you as a woman, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. I represent a State where one in three women experience domestic violence. This is a scourge on our society and must stop. The Violence Against Women Act should have one clear goal, to protect women from domestic abuse. Any solution put forward must provide law enforcement and the justice system with the tools to do this to the best of their ability, and to keep this objective free from partisan manipulation, dilution of resources, or political games. Unfortunately, this bill does not do that. My Republican colleagues, under the leadership of Ranking Member Collins and Mrs. Lesko, who has been a recipient of domestic violence, have sought to come together with our friends across the aisle to find a bipartisan solution to help women, to no avail. Now is not the time to play politics. This is an issue where we can and should find common ground. It is not the time to hold the safety of women as a bargaining chip against infringements on religious liberty or weakening of the Second Amendment. We can and must do better. I urge my colleagues to vote against this legislation and come together to pass a bill that protects women, instead of trying to use it as a political pawn. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Cicilline), a distinguished member of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Chairman, I am a proud sponsor of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Violence against women is one of our country's greatest shames. For over 20 years, VAWA has provided critical protections for survivors of violence, while also helping them rebuild their lives. VAWA grants help survivors to access vital resources such as legal assistance, safe housing, and counseling. VAWA also facilitates important partnerships between advocates, law enforcement, and the courts, which further helps survivors in times of crisis and reduces future violence. In 2018 alone, because of VAWA grants, the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence served over 8,500 individual victims of domestic violence, assisted over 2,900 victims in obtaining a restraining order, and answered over 13,000 crisis line calls. H.R. 1585 improves upon VAWA by prohibiting persons convicted of dating violence or misdemeanor stalking from possessing firearms. And let's be honest. This is the principal objection of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, because the powerful gun lobby is scoring this bill because of that provision. This bill protects employees from being fired because they are survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence and ensures survivors' eligibility to receive unemployment insurance. {time} 1445 Survivors of violence and their families cannot wait any longer as VAWA continues to stay lapsed. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this bill in a bipartisan way so that the American people can see action by Congress, Republicans and Democrats who are standing up, loudly condemning violence against women, and reauthorizing VAWA in a new and improved way so that we can really take on the issue of domestic violence and all the pernicious consequences of violence against women in this country. Stand up to the gun lobby. Do what is right for women in America. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert). Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Chair, I rise out of concern for violence that has been done against women. As someone who has prosecuted such things and has sentenced many men to prison for such things, I want to be part of the solution toward mitigating and stopping the violence against women, but I can't vote for this bill in its current form when politics, as my friends have said, have been played with it here, because I have heard the [[Page H3008]] testimony repeatedly, as a judge, from experts. I have read the studies. The literature, psychiatric literature, indicates that the studies show that women who have been through sexual assault are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder than even soldiers, on a percentage basis. One of the things that can trigger the trauma coming back is a man coming into a confined space like a restroom, like a dressing room, like a battered women's shelter, and they are living it again. Why would we do that? Why would we have a bill that forces that kind of trauma back on women who have been through enough? This bill, in the name of equality, says women are not going to be able to have a safe place from biological men. No. We are going to force them, and under this bill, there will be lawsuits. A homeless shelter, a shelter for battered women, and it is shocking how much of this still goes on, but they will be subject to lawsuits if this bill becomes law. You will have people, the government with all its power, forcing shelters for battered women to accept biological men, no matter how traumatic it is for the women who have suffered domestic abuse from men, sexual assault from men. For heaven's sake, can't we compromise in the name of really helping women? I understand the concern from my colleagues across the aisle is that we don't want to hurt the feelings of someone who is biologically a man who thinks they are a woman. We don't want to hurt their feelings; therefore, it is worth the risk of all the trauma that will be relived by women by forcing men into those confined situations. There are other alternatives instead of making women suffer more than they already have. This Violence Against Women Act, the way it is currently written in its current form, will do additional violence to women. It is something that I just can't support. Mr. Chair, I wish my friends would worry about the concerns for men who think they are women and suffering from gender dysphoria in some other bill. Let's use this one to protect women. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath), a distinguished member of the Judiciary Committee. Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Chairman, I will be short and to the point. The number one way that women in America are being killed by their intimate partners is with a gun. We cannot address the epidemic of gender-based violence without addressing gun violence. The NRA sees it differently. They don't want us to close the boyfriend loophole. They don't want to keep firearms out of the hands of those whose actions show that they are a threat. Their solution to gun violence is by arming women, selling more guns, even though we know that this would make women less safe. Nearly 1 million American women alive today have been shot or shot at by an intimate partner. They deserve better. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to vote ``yes'' to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act for those we have lost, for those who have survived, and for the safety of all Americans. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Virginia (Ms. Wexton). Ms. WEXTON. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chair, as a former domestic violence prosecutor and advocate for abused women, I have seen firsthand the impact of the Violence Against Women Act's legal protections and survivor support services. Because of this law, survivors can access a national hotline, a network of shelters, and get protection orders that carry across State lines. The bill before us today will close the boyfriend loophole by stopping abusers and stalkers from obtaining firearms. The NRA thinks this language is too broad. They are wrong. When women are five times more likely to be murdered if there is a gun present in the household, it is clear that gun violence is a women's issue. We have made important progress, but we can't let up, not when a woman is murdered by a male intimate partner with a gun every 16 hours. This bill tells survivors: You are not alone. You will always have a place to go. You will always have people on your side. Most importantly, it will save lives. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support it. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Lujan), the assistant Democratic leader. Mr. LUJAN. Mr. Chair, I want to share a story of one of my constituents, Rayen. Her story is hard to hear, but we cannot tune it out. When Rayen first reached out for protection, her partner, Daniel, had struck her with a wrench, raped her, and strangled her to the point of unconsciousness. But Tribal police had little jurisdiction over Daniel, who is not Native American. They were forced to turn the case over to Federal prosecutors. Next, Rayen went missing. Her body was found several weeks later, beaten and strangled. Rayen's story is representative of the violence women, especially Native women, face every day. This violence is an epidemic in our country. Native women are 10 times more likely to be murdered than any other ethnicity. We need to act. The Violence Against Women Act is a pillar of our Federal response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Passage of H.R. 1585 will ensure that every survivor of domestic violence is given the protection they need to rebuild their lives after experiencing violence. Mr. Chair, please join me in voting for this legislation in memory of Rayen and in memory of all the women who have faced domestic violence and assault. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown). Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Chairman, I am a cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act, and I believe that this is the most important bill that this Congress will pass to protect thousands of women against violence and demonstrate that we value the dignity of every human being. I was proud to work with the committee to close three potentially fatal loopholes that allow abusers to possess firearms. We closed the stalking loophole by treating stalking similarly to other domestic violence crimes. Currently, 76 percent of women who are murdered by their partner were first stalked. We closed the dating partner loophole by expanding restrictions on dating partners convicted of domestic violence from buying a gun. We closed the temporary restraining order loophole by prohibiting an abuser from getting their hands on a gun when a court issues a temporary order, because this is when an abuser is most likely to lash out and retaliate. When domestic violence kills three women a day, we have a moral responsibility to act. Mr. Chairman, we cannot let the gun lobby scare us into putting their interests above the lives of thousands of Americans. We must reauthorize VAWA now with these increased protections. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the chair of the Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee and the sponsor of this legislation. Ms. BASS. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. This bipartisan measure was introduced by myself and my colleague, Mr. Fitzpatrick, the gentleman from Pennsylvania. Several other Members have supported this effort and were inadvertently left off the sponsor list due to a clerical error. To remedy that, I will furnish a separate statement for the Record that includes those names, respectively. H.R. 1585 will reauthorize the VAWA of 1994, a landmark piece of legislation [[Page H3009]] first enacted and signed into law by President Clinton in 1994. This was a direct response to the epidemic of violence against women that plagued our country at that time. While we have made significant progress, we still have much to do. It is estimated that more than 2 million adults and more than 15 million children are exposed to domestic violence annually. These alarming figures make it imperative that we reauthorize VAWA now. We concluded our celebration of Women's History Month in March, but our job to protect women is not complete. Movements like #MeToo across this country demand Congress' attention to better deal with the gaping holes left unfilled in current law around the issues of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, harassment, and stalking. The VAWA efforts will have the same profound effect on a victim survivor and their families no matter one's party affiliation. Hence, these are human problems, period. This is our opportunity to respond to the basic needs of victims and survivors everywhere, absent discrimination based on their race, sex, religion, or nationality. That is why this law has been reauthorized three times since enactment, in 2000, 2005, and 2013, with strong bipartisan approval and overwhelming support from Congress, States, and local communities. H.R. 1585 continues that tradition, which reflects a reasonable and compromised approach to reauthorize grant programs under VAWA. For example, this bill includes various pieces of bipartisan legislation, Republican amendments from our committee markup, and Republican amendments through the rules process. H.R. 1585 is intended to make modifications, as Congress has done in the past to all previous reauthorizations of VAWA. For example, in South Los Angeles, part of my district, the Jenesse Center helps hundreds of people every year. VAWA funding has supported the growth of Jenesse's legal department, which provides direct legal services that not only assist survivors in securing immediate safety, but also helps them achieve long-term goals of stability and self- sufficiency. VAWA funding is integral to Jenesse's transitional, or bridge, housing program for survivors. After overcoming the initial crisis phase, people need space and time to rebuild family bonds, secure education and vocational training, and receive the mental health counseling needed to heal from trauma. H.R. 1585 is inclusive, sensible, and responsive. The CHAIR. The time of the gentlewoman has expired. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass). Ms. BASS. Mr. Chair, this bill is about preventing and responding to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. That is why I urge my colleagues to exert courage and stand with victims by supporting this bill. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1500 Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee). Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. This is a persistent crisis in our country that requires Congress to act. While a lot of progress has been made since VAWA was first passed in 1994, too many women still face violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women will experience some form of physical violence in their lifetime. Protecting women from violence has been, and should always be, a bipartisan issue. In 1994, Republicans and Democrats came together to pass VAWA. Since then, this act has been reauthorized three times, including in 2013, just after I became a Member of this body. Because of this law, victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking have been able to access support, as well, while offenders have been held more accountable by our criminal justice system. Since VAWA first passed, the rate of intimate partner violence declined by 67 percent. This law works, and we can strengthen it with this action. Mr. Chairman, I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Grijalva amendment No. 13, which deals with some of the issues we see in Tribal communities. This is an important bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to support it. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Speier). Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman of the Judiciary Committee for yielding. Mr. Chairman, today, I stand here in proud support of the bipartisan Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, which includes my bill, the Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act. I introduced this bill when I read a shocking article last year about a teenager in New York who was raped by two police officers while in their custody in the back of an unmarked police vehicle. When she reported the rape, a loophole in New York State law allowed the officers to claim she consented to having sex with them, despite the fact that she was handcuffed and under their control. I was appalled to learn about this and was concerned that that was a legitimate defense, at that time, in New York, and it remains an acceptable defense in 30 other States and for Federal law enforcement officers. My bill has now been included in VAWA and will no longer allow for Federal law enforcement officers to use that consent defense as well. There are also financial incentives for the 30 States that need to close their loopholes by providing additional VAWA grant funds to States that pass similar legislation. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to protect the safety of our women. Closing this loophole puts us one step closer to achieving that safety. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Lawrence), a co-chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus. Mrs. LAWRENCE. Mr. Chairman, today, I rise in support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. I would like to first thank Representative Karen Bass, the sponsor of this legislation, for her support of this issue. As important as the successes of this bill have been, they are at times insufficient. Every day, an average of three women are killed by a current or former intimate partner. Every year, 7.9 million women are victims of stalking, rape, or physical violence by an intimate partner. The bill before us today provides important updates to the Violence Against Women Act that improves services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Mr. Chairman, as co-chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus and as co- chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, I strongly urge my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to support this passage of legislation. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Collins and I have been working on any number of issues dealing with criminal justice reform, and certainly we have spent the last couple of years on the Judiciary Committee. He may not recall, but working with our chairman in the last session of Congress, who acknowledged that the Judiciary Committee had many opportunities to work together--and I totally agree--one of those issues was, of course, the Violence Against Women Act. We engaged with the staff quite extensively because we wanted this to be a bipartisan bill. So, for a 3-year period, we engaged, I engaged, many women of this Congress [[Page H3010]] engaged, and we think we have come up with a product that recognizes that, as we speak here today, there are women who are dying from domestic violence. As we stand here today, law enforcement will tell you that the most difficult, or one of the most difficult, calls they have to make is a domestic violence call. Maybe it is like my constituent, Candice, whose bill I introduced, who was laying in the bed with a little baby and her other children were moving around the house, and a significant other--a husband, a boyfriend--took his gun and killed Candice while that baby was lying next to her. The little children had to hear that, and they were scurrying. They had to run to another house to try to get help for mommy. You see, ladies and gentlemen, this is not about a score of the National Rifle Association, because this is not a gun bill, this is a lifesaving bill. This is a bill that a Republican from Pennsylvania, Mr. Fitzpatrick, put a health provision in, he expanded the Public Health Service Act. The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Carson of Indiana). The time of the gentlewoman has expired. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Texas. Ms. JACKSON LEE. His bill will allow more services to come for those children and those survivors of domestic violence, it will expand the capacity of early childhood programs to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It will put in $291 million, so that date rape kits, DNA kits, will not be backlogged, so that law enforcement will have resources, and so that prosecutors will have resources. Candice cannot be brought back. And we introduced that bill at a time when no one wanted to see anything having to do with protecting us from guns. Now we have a statement that respects Candice's life by indicating that if you have been convicted, you need not have a gun around your family, it should be in a lockbox. What more can we do to be fair and balanced and draw bipartisan support, even to the extent of joining with my friend from Texas to have a bill amendment that deals with female genital mutilation. We have worked hard. This bill deserves 100 percent support of this Congress, because while we talk lives are being lost. Mr. Chairman, I ask my friends to support the legislation that we are debating, H.R. 1585. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. The Violence Against Women Act (``VAWA'') is landmark legislation which--through policy reforms, interstate cooperation and grant allocation--has been pivotal in providing a national response to protecting half of the population. Equally important, it has ushered in a seismic transformation on how society perceives violence against women. The law has enhanced and improved the lives of girls and women, boys and men. There are many similarities between the year that VAWA initially passed in 1994, and the moment in which we all find ourselves today. When it was first passed, the country was experiencing reverberations to yet another polarizing battle to fill a seat on the Supreme Court. Then the courageous victim sharing her truth was Anita Hill. Today, as VAWA is yet again scheduled to expire, the country is assessing the ripples created by the #MeToo movement. But despite the passage of over a quarter-century since its first enactment, the malignant treatment received by a courageous person willing to share her story unfortunately endures. The need to create a safe space for victims of violence, especially women, supported with substantial resources to address this scourge has taken on a new urgency in this era of the #MeToo movement. When discussing VAWA, we cannot forget the victims of domestic violence like Brittany Smith, who was 23 years old and was gunned down last year in Houston, by her boyfriend and San Diego-based Marine; nor can we forget Charlene Caldwell, a mother and grandmother beaten to death last year by a baseball bat at the hands of her boyfriend in Houston. Domestic violence was alleged in both of these horrific events. Unfortunately, there are too many stories like Charlene's or Brittany's. The stories of these two women remind us of the urgency to protect survivors NOW, before it is too late, because many of these deaths are preventable. Despite the experiences of #MeToo survivors or victims like Ms. Smith or Ms. Caldwell, all is not for naught. Since VAWA's codification in 1994, more victims report episodes of domestic violence to the police and the rate of non-fatal intimate partner violence against women has decreased by almost two-thirds. VAWA has also led to a significant increase in the reporting of sexual assault. For example, the percentage of victims of rape and sexual assault who report the assault to the police increased from 28.8 percent in 1993-- the year prior to VAWA's initial passage--to 50 percent in 2010. In the first 15 years of VAWA's validity, rates of serious intimate partner violence declined by 72 percent for women and 64 percent for men. Research suggests that referring a victim to a domestic violence or sexual assault advocate has been linked to an increased willingness to file a police report--survivors with an advocate filed a report with law enforcement 59 percent of the time, versus 41 percent for individuals not referred to a victim advocate. This progress cannot be allowed to stop. Congress must continue sending the clear message that violence against women is unacceptable. Prior to VAWA, law enforcement lacked the resources and tools to respond effectively to domestic violence and sexual assault. Each reauthorization of VAWA has improved protections for women and men, while helping to change the culture and reduce the tolerance for these crimes. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 improves current law in several important respects, and takes a holistic approach to the goal of eliminating the harm faced by victims of violence, and making vital services accessible to victims of this scourge. For example, this iteration of VAWA contains guidance on the use of grants to activate judicial and law enforcement tools to develop and enforce firearm surrender policies; expands permissible use of grant funding for programs focused on increasing survivor/law enforcement/ community safety; and provides legal assistance for dependent children in appropriate circumstances. It also updates programs designed to reduce dating violence, help children exposed to violence and engage men in preventing violence against women. Additionally, the bill improves services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. It provides policies, protection, and justice for young victims of violence, including extending the Rape Prevention and Education grant program, addressing bullying of young people, improving grants focused on prevention education for students, and expanding relevant training for school-based and campus health centers; and reauthorizes and updates programs designed to reduce dating violence, help children exposed to violence, and engage men in preventing violence. This bill also recognizes the cascading ills associated with identifying, eliminating, and preventing the reemergence of domestic violence. This bill expands grants under the Public Health Service Act to support implementation of training programs to improve the capacity of early childhood programs to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking among the families they serve; preserves and expands housing protections for survivors; provides economic security assistance for survivors, by reauthorizing the National Resource Center on Workplace Responses; protects employees from being fired because they are survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence; and protects survivors' eligibility to receive Unemployment Insurance. Recognizing that many women are victimized at the hands of intimate partners, this iteration of VAWA helps prevent ``intimate partner'' homicides, by including provisions expanding firearms laws to prohibit persons convicted of dating violence from possessing firearms, prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor stalking from possessing firearms, and prohibiting individuals subject to ex parte protective orders from possessing firearms. Accordingly, the bill helps protect Native American women, by including provisions to improve the response to missing and murdered Native American women, improving tribal access to federal crime information databases, and reaffirming tribal criminal jurisdiction over non-Indian perpetrators of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and trafficking for all federally recognized Indian tribes and Alaskan Natives. Additionally, this bill protects the Office on Violence Against Women in the Department of Justice from being de-emphasized, merged, or consolidated into any other DOJ office. VAWA is central to our nation's effort to fight the epidemic of domestic, sexual, and dating violence and stalking. [[Page H3011]] This work did not happen on its own. It was the product of a collaborative effort of stakeholders, including victim advocates. It was the product of those willing to share their stories of the abuse suffered at the hands of those who were entrusted to love, but instead harmed. The courage, strength, and resilience displayed by survivors has reminded all that we must continue to foster an environment for victims of violence to come forward and expose episodes of violence against women. This bill represents the good that can come when courageous people with a story to tell come forward with the belief that through their pain, the lives of others can be helped. Having listened to concerned stakeholders from all pockets of the country, we have put pen to paper and produced a bill that is endorsed by the bipartisan National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (NTF), which is a national collaboration comprising a large and diverse group of 35 national, tribal, state, territorial, and local organizations, advocates, and individuals that focus on the development, passage and implementation of effective public policy to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Indeed, there is no reason our work on this cannot be bipartisan, as has been the custom of prior Congresses in authorizing this critical piece of legislation. The love for a spouse, the comfort of a mother and the best wishes for a sister know no political allegiance. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I continue to reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished majority leader. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank all of those who have been involved in getting this to the floor. This bill is a critically important bill and, unfortunately, its authorization expired last year. It is timely that we bring it to the floor. I am hopeful that it passes. Mr. Chairman, I was proud to be a cosponsor of the original Violence Against Women Act in 1994. It passed on a bipartisan vote in the House. It was reauthorized in 2000 with a vote--and everybody ought to note this--that passed 371-1. And in 2005, it was reauthorized and passed 415-4 and signed, of course, by President Bush. Democrats fought hard to expand the law's protections to immigrant women, Native Americans, and LGBT people, and we did so in 2013 with bipartisan support once more. We want to protect all of our women, whatever their particular difference. I was disappointed that the law's authorization expired at the end of fiscal year 2018. It is critical that we enact a long-term reauthorization of the law without further delay in order to provide that certainty that another short-term extension cannot. This legislation was introduced by Representative Karen Bass. It is a 5-year reauthorization. The gentlewoman from Texas, who just spoke, Ms. Jackson Lee, did a lot of work on this bill in the Judiciary Committee as well. I thank her for her leadership in this effort. Her bill--and I speak of Congresswoman Bass--would improve on current law by expanding existing grants that make communities safer and protect vulnerable populations, including Native American women. Why wouldn't we do that? I can't think of a reason. It would also improve economic assistance and security for survivors struggling with unemployment or financial hardship due to an abusive relationship to which they had been exposed. It would also ensure that the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women remains open and is not merged into another office or de-emphasized. And, very importantly, the bill closes loopholes in gun laws to help prevent intimate partner homicides, an all too frequent happening. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people every minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. That is a tragedy and a crisis. One in four women experience severe intimate partner physical violence. And one in seven have been stalked by an intimate partner to the point at which she felt very fearful or believed that she, or someone close to her, would be harmed or killed. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent. That is why we aim to close gun loopholes by expanding the definition of intimate partners to include dating or former dating partners. It is also why this bill has language preventing anybody convicted of a misdemeanor crime of stalking from obtaining a gun. I am deeply disappointed that some Republican Members of this House are using the NRA as cover to vote against this reauthorization which has been overwhelmingly, in a bipartisan fashion, reauthorized over and over again. These are commonsense protections that prevent domestic abusers from obtaining the guns that have, sadly, been used so frequently to harm or kill their partners. Mr Chairman, I urge every Member to vote for this reauthorization. Let's make this renewal of the Violence Against Women Act as strongly bipartisan as the House's support for the law used to be. Let's send a resounding message that the House stands with the victims and survivors and law enforcement and will do its job to help them and to prevent domestic violence and abuse, which have no place in our society, but are, tragically, too often, perpetrated in our country. Mr. Chairman, let's make it safer for women, for families, and for the children they care for. Let's pass this bill. Let's reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. {time} 1515 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I have no other speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, really, in closing, I would just reiterate the points that I have made. We are looking forward to a bipartisan, bicameral bill that we do believe will come back eventually. The Senate has said this. There are many things, and I think the distinguished majority leader made it very clear. I think it was interesting that he said, why did this become a bill that was not--it should be as bipartisan as it should be. I think it is because of stuff that we did not talk about that had been added into this, which makes it much larger than what the bill actually should be about, and focused on those areas. We can disagree about a lot of things, but I think, in this one, all of us want to make sure that the Violence Against Women Act is reauthorized in a way that does promote the very ideals of the original law, and we would continue to do that. We look forward to a day in which this body can debate that bill. At this time, we cannot, because this bill does not feel like many of our Members may vote for it. They may vote against. But I think, at the end of the day, there will be a better product coming. I am looking forward to that. I appreciate the hard work by both sides, but I do believe there is a better outcome and alternative, a bipartisan, bicameral bill in the future. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chairman, every year approximately 7.9 million women are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. An average of three women are killed every day by a current or former intimate partner. These grim statistics underscore the crucial need for us to act without delay to reauthorize VAWA and to enhance and expand the act so that it is even more effective than it has proven to be in the past. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 is comprehensive and inclusive legislation that I hope will earn bipartisan support in the long tradition of this important law. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join with me in voting for this critical legislation today. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. BASS. Mr. Chair, a number of my colleagues who requested to be added as a cosponsor to H.R. 1585, the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019'' were not listed as cosponsors due to a clerical error. I wish to thank all my colleagues for their enduring support of VAWA. The [[Page H3012]] reauthorization of VAWA is vital for domestic violence survivors. VAWA is a landmark piece of legislation first enacted in 1994 and signed into law by President Bill Clinton as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. This legislation was enacted in response to the prevalence of domestic and sexual violence, and the significant impact of such violence on the lives of women. It is estimated that more than two million adults and more than 15 million children are exposed to domestic violence annually. VAWA provides essential resources to those who need it most, which is why this piece of legislation is so essential. For the record, the following Members have expressed their support for H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019'' and would have been added as a cosponsor to H.R. 1585 but for a clerical error. Colin Allred Ami Bera Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. G.K. Butterfield Andre Carson Matt Cartwright Joaquin Castro Emanuel Cleaver Gerald Connolly Jim Costa TJ Cox Charlie Crist Sharice Davids Danny K. Davis Rosa DeLauro Mark DeSaulnier Theodore E. Deutch Michael F. Doyle Eliot Engel Dwight Evans Abby Finkenauer Jimmy Gomez Alcee L. Hastings Jahana Hayes Kendra S. Horn Hakeem Jeffries Henry C. ``Hank'' Johnson, Jr. Marcy Kaptur Daniel T. Kildee John Larson Al Lawson Barbara Lee Mike Levin John Lewis Ted Lieu Nita M. Lowey Ben Ray Lujan Elaine G. Luria Tom Malinowski Stephanie N. Murphy Richard E. Neal Joe Neguse Michael San Nicolas Donald Norcross Bill Pascrell, Jr. Ed Perlmutter Scott Peters Dean Phillips Mark Pocan David E. Price Harley Rouda Raul Ruiz Bobby Rush Mary Gay Scanlon Robert C. ``Bobby'' Scott Brad Sherman Mikie Sherrill Darren Soto Abigail Davis Spanberger Mark Takano Bennie G. Thompson Rashida Tlaib Norma J. Torres Xochitl Torres Small Marc A. Veasey The Acting CHAIR. All time for general debate has expired. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary, printed in the bill, it shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the 5-minute rule an amendment in the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee Print 116-9 modified by the amendment printed in part A of House Report 116-32. That amendment in the nature of a substitute shall be considered as read. The text of the amendment in the nature of a substitute is as follows: H.R. 1585 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019''. (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 2. Universal definitions and grant conditions. Sec. 3. Reporting on female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision. TITLE I--ENHANCING LEGAL TOOLS TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING Sec. 101. Stop grants. Sec. 102. Grants to improve the criminal justice response. Sec. 103. Legal assistance for victims. Sec. 104. Grants to support families in the justice system. Sec. 105. Outreach and services to underserved populations grants. Sec. 106. Criminal provisions. Sec. 107. Rape survivor child custody. TITLE II--IMPROVING SERVICES FOR VICTIMS Sec. 201. Sexual assault services program. Sec. 202. Rural domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and child abuse enforcement assistance program. Sec. 203. Training and services to end violence against people with disabilities. Sec. 204. Training and services to end abuse in later life. TITLE III--SERVICES, PROTECTION, AND JUSTICE FOR YOUNG VICTIMS Sec. 301. Rape prevention and education grant. Sec. 302. Creating hope through outreach, options, services, and education (CHOOSE) for children and youth. Sec. 303. Grants to combat violent crimes on campuses. Sec. 304. Combat online predators. TITLE IV--VIOLENCE REDUCTION PRACTICES Sec. 401. Study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sec. 402. Saving Money and Reducing Tragedies (SMART) through Prevention grants. TITLE V--STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS RESPONSE Sec. 501. Grants to strengthen the healthcare systems response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. TITLE VI--SAFE HOMES FOR VICTIMS Sec. 601. Housing protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Sec. 602. Ensuring compliance and implementation; prohibiting retaliation against victims. Sec. 603. Protecting the right to report crime from one's home. Sec. 604. Transitional housing assistance grants for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Sec. 605. Addressing the housing needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Sec. 606. United States Housing Act of 1937 amendments. TITLE VII--ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR VICTIMS Sec. 701. Findings. Sec. 702. National Resource Center on workplace responses to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence. Sec. 703. Entitlement to unemployment compensation for victims of sexual and other harassment and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Sec. 704. Study and reports on barriers to survivors' economic security access. Sec. 705. GAO Study. Sec. 706. Education and information programs for survivors. Sec. 707. Severability. TITLE VIII--HOMICIDE REDUCTION INITIATIVES Sec. 801. Prohibiting persons convicted of misdemeanor crimes against dating partners and persons subject to protection orders. Sec. 802. Prohibiting stalkers and individuals subject to court order from possessing a firearm. TITLE IX--SAFETY FOR INDIAN WOMEN Sec. 901. Findings and purposes. Sec. 902. Authorizing funding for the tribal access program. Sec. 903. Tribal jurisdiction over crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and assault of a law enforcement officer or corrections officer. Sec. 904. Annual reporting requirements. TITLE X--OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN Sec. 1001. Establishment of Office on Violence Against Women. TITLE XI--IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR WOMEN IN FEDERAL CUSTODY Sec. 1101. Improving the treatment of primary caretaker parents and other individuals in federal prisons. Sec. 1102. Public health and safety of women. TITLE XII--LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOLS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY Sec. 1201. Notification to law enforcement agencies of prohibited purchase or attempted purchase of a firearm. Sec. 1202. Reporting of background check denials to state, local, and tribal authorities. Sec. 1203. Special assistant U.S. attorneys and cross-deputized attorneys. [[Page H3013]] TITLE XIII--CLOSING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSENT LOOPHOLE Sec. 1301. Short title. Sec. 1302. Prohibition on engaging in sexual acts while acting under color of law. Sec. 1303. Incentives for States. Sec. 1304. Reports to Congress. Sec. 1305. Definition. TITLE XIV--OTHER MATTERS Sec. 1401. National stalker and domestic violence reduction. Sec. 1402. Federal victim assistants reauthorization. Sec. 1403. Child abuse training programs for judicial personnel and practitioners reauthorization. Sec. 1404. Sex offender management. Sec. 1405. Court-appointed special advocate program. Sec. 1406. Rape kit backlog. Sec. 1407. Sexual assault forensic exam program grants. SEC. 2. UNIVERSAL DEFINITIONS AND GRANT CONDITIONS. Section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``In this title'' and inserting ``In this title, including for the purpose of grants authorized under this Act''; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (34) through (45) as paragraphs (42) through (53); (C) by inserting after paragraph (33) the following: ``(39) Internet enabled device.--The term `internet enabled device' means devices that have a connection the Internet, send and receive information and data, and maybe accessed via mobile device technology, video technology, or computer technology, away from the location where the device is installed, and may include home automation systems, door locks, and thermostats. ``(40) Technological abuse.--The term `technological abuse' means behavior intended to harm, threaten, intimidate, control, stalk, harass, impersonate, or monitor, except as otherwise permitted by law, another person, that occurs using the Internet, internet enabled devices, social networking sites, computers, mobile devices, cellular telephones, apps, location tracking devices, instant messages, text messages, or other forms of technology. Technological abuse may include-- ``(A) unwanted, repeated telephone calls, text messages, instant messages, or social media posts; ``(B) non-consensual accessing e-mail accounts, texts or instant messaging accounts, social networking accounts, or cellular telephone logs; ``(C) controlling or restricting a person's ability to access technology with the intent to isolate them from support and social connection; ``(D) using tracking devices or location tracking software for the purpose of monitoring or stalking another person's location; ``(E) impersonating a person (including through the use of spoofing technology in photo or video or the creation of accounts under a false name) with the intent to deceive or cause harm; or ``(F) sharing or urging or compelling the sharing of another person's private information, photographs, or videos without their consent. ``(41) Female genital mutilation.--The terms `female genital mutilation', `female genital cutting', `FGM/C', or `female circumcision' mean the intentional removal or infibulation (or both) of either the whole or part of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. External female genitalia includes the pubis, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, and urethral and vaginal openings.''; (D) in paragraph (19)(B), by striking ``and probation'' and inserting ``probation, and vacatur or expungement''; (E) by redesignating paragraphs (13) through (33) as paragraphs (18) through (38); (F) by striking paragraphs (11) and (12) and inserting the following: ``(13) Digital services.--The term `digital services' means services, resources, information, support or referrals provided through electronic communications platforms and media, whether via mobile device technology, video technology, or computer technology, including utilizing the internet, as well as any other emerging communications technologies that are appropriate for the purposes of providing services, resources, information, support, or referrals for the benefit of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``(14) Economic abuse.--The term `economic abuse', in the context of domestic violence, dating violence, and abuse in later life, means behavior that is coercive, deceptive, or unreasonably controls or restrains a person's ability to acquire, use, or maintain economic resources to which they are entitled, including using coercion, fraud, or manipulation to-- ``(A) restrict a person's access to money, assets, credit, or financial information; ``(B) unfairly use a person's personal economic resources, including money, assets, and credit, for one's own advantage; or ``(C) exert undue influence over a person's financial and economic behavior or decisions, including forcing default on joint or other financial obligations, exploiting powers of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship, or failing or neglecting to act in the best interests of a person to whom one has a fiduciary duty. ``(15) Elder abuse.--The term `elder abuse' has the meaning given that term in section 2 of the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act. The terms `abuse,' `elder,' and `exploitation' have the meanings given those terms in section 2011 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397j). ``(16) Forced marriage.--The term `forced marriage' means a marriage to which one or both parties do not or cannot consent, and in which one or more elements of force, fraud, or coercion is present. Forced marriage can be both a cause and a consequence of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. ``(17) Homeless.--The term `homeless' has the meaning given such term in section 41403(6).''; (G) by redesignating paragraphs (9) and (10) as paragraphs (11) and (12), respectively; (H) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows: ``(10) Domestic violence.--The term `domestic violence' means a pattern of behavior involving the use or attempted use of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, economic, or technological abuse or any other coercive behavior committed, enabled, or solicited to gain or maintain power and control over a victim, by a person who-- ``(A) is a current or former spouse or dating partner of the victim, or other person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction; ``(B) is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or dating partner, or other person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction; ``(C) shares a child in common with the victim; ``(D) is an adult family member of, or paid or nonpaid caregiver for, a victim aged 50 or older or an adult victim with disabilities; or ``(E) commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from those acts under the family or domestic violence laws of the jurisdiction.''. (I) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (8) and (9), respectively; (J) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows: ``(7) Court-based and court-related personnel.--The terms `court-based personnel' and `court-related personnel' mean persons working in the court, whether paid or volunteer, including-- ``(A) clerks, special masters, domestic relations officers, administrators, mediators, custody evaluators, guardians ad litem, lawyers, negotiators, probation, parole, interpreters, victim assistants, victim advocates, and judicial, administrative, or any other professionals or personnel similarly involved in the legal process; ``(B) court security personnel; ``(C) personnel working in related, supplementary offices or programs (such as child support enforcement); and ``(D) any other court-based or community-based personnel having responsibilities or authority to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking in the court system.''. (K) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (4) through (6) respectively; (L) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(3) Alternative justice response.--The term `alternative justice response' means a process, whether court-ordered or community-based, that-- ``(A) involves, on a voluntary basis, and to the extent possible, those who have committed a specific offense and those who have been harmed as a result of the offense; ``(B) has the goal of collectively seeking accountability from the accused, and developing a process whereby the accused will take responsibility for his or her actions, and a plan for providing relief to those harmed, through allocution, restitution, community service, or other processes upon which the victim, the accused, the community, and the court (if court-ordered) can agree; ``(C) is conducted in a framework that protects victim safety and supports victim autonomy; and ``(D) provides that information disclosed during such process may not be used for any other law enforcement purpose, including impeachment or prosecution, without the express permission of all participants.''. (M) by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (2); and (N) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated in subparagraph (M) of this paragraph) the following: ``(1) Abuse in later life.--The term `abuse in later life' means neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking of an adult over the age of 50 by any person, or economic abuse of that adult by a person in an ongoing, relationship of trust with the victim. Self-neglect is not included in this definition.''; and (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2)-- (i) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) and (G) as subparagraphs (H) and (I); (ii) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: ``(G) Death of the party whose privacy had been protected.--In the event of the death of any victim whose confidentiality and privacy is required to be protected under this subsection, such requirement shall continue to apply, and the right to authorize release of any confidential or protected information be vested in the next of kin, except that consent for release of the deceased victim's information may not be given by a person who had perpetrated abuse against the deceased victim.''; (iii) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (E) as subparagraphs (E) through (F); and (iv) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: ``(D) Use of technology.--Grantees and subgrantees may use telephone, internet, and other technologies to protect the privacy, location and help-seeking activities of victims using services. Such technologies may include-- ``(i) software, apps or hardware that block caller ID or conceal IP addresses, including instances in which victims use digital services; or [[Page H3014]] ``(ii) technologies or protocols that inhibit or prevent a perpetrator's attempts to use technology or social media to threaten, harass or harm the victim, the victim's family, friends, neighbors or co-workers, or the program providing services to them.''; (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting after ``designed to reduce or eliminate domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking'' the following: ``provided that the confidentiality and privacy requirements of this title are maintained, and that personally identifying information about adult, youth, and child victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking is not requested or included in any such collaboration or information- sharing''; (C) in paragraph (6), by adding at the end the following: ``However, such disbursing agencies must ensure that the confidentiality and privacy requirements of this title are maintained in making such reports, and that personally identifying information about adult, youth and child victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking is not requested or included in any such reports.''; (D) in paragraph (11), by adding at the end the following: ``The Office on Violence Against Women shall make all technical assistance available as broadly as possible to any appropriate grantees, subgrantees, potential grantees, or other entities without regard to whether the entity has received funding from the Office on Violence Against Women for a particular program or project.''; (E) in paragraph (13)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting after ``the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013'' the following: ``(Public Law 113-4; 127 Stat. 54)''; and (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``section 3789d of title 42, United States Code'' and inserting ``section 809 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10228)''; (F) in paragraph (14), by inserting after ``are also victims of'' the following: ``forced marriage, or''; and (G) in paragraph (16)(C)(i), by striking ``$20,000 in Department funds, unless the Deputy Attorney General'' and inserting ``$100,000 in Department funds, unless the Director or Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, the Deputy Attorney General,''. SEC. 3. REPORTING ON FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION, FEMALE GENITAL CUTTING, OR FEMALE CIRCUMCISION. (a) In General.--The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall, pursuant to section 534 of title 28, United States Code, classify the offense of female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision as a part II crime in the Uniform Crime Reports. (b) Definition.--In this section, the terms ``female genital mutilation'', ``female genital cutting'', ``FGM/C'', or ``female circumcision'' mean the intentional removal or infibulation (or both) of either the whole or part of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. External female genitalia includes the pubis, labia minora, labia majora, clitoris, and urethral and vaginal openings. TITLE I--ENHANCING LEGAL TOOLS TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING SEC. 101. STOP GRANTS. (a) In General.--Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10441 et seq.) is amended-- (1) in section 2001(b)-- (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``including implementation of the non- discrimination requirements in section 40002(b)(13) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994''; (B) in paragraph (9)-- (i) by striking ``older and disabled women'' and inserting ``people 50 years of age or over and people with disabilities''; and (ii) by striking ``older and disabled individuals'' and inserting ``people''; (C) in paragraph (19), by striking ``and'' at the end; (D) in paragraph (20), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (E) by inserting after paragraph (20), the following: ``(21) developing and implementing laws, policies, procedures, or training to ensure the lawful recovery and storage of any dangerous weapon by the appropriate law enforcement agency from an adjudicated perpetrator of any offense of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and the return of such weapon when appropriate, where any Federal, State, tribal, or local court has-- ``(A)(i) issued protective or other restraining orders against such a perpetrator; or ``(ii) found such a perpetrator to be guilty of misdemeanor or felony crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(B) ordered the perpetrator to relinquish dangerous weapons that the perpetrator possesses or has used in the commission of at least one of the aforementioned crimes. Policies, procedures, protocols, laws, regulations, or training under this section shall include the safest means of recovery of, and best practices for storage of, relinquished and recovered dangerous weapons and their return, when applicable, at such time as the individual is no longer prohibited from possessing such weapons under Federal, State, or Tribal law, or posted local ordinances; and ``(22) developing, enlarging, or strengthening culturally specific victim services programs to provide culturally specific victim services regarding, responses to, and prevention of female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision.''; (2) in section 2007-- (A) in subsection (d)-- (i) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs (7) and (8), respectively; and (ii) by inserting after paragraph (4) the following: ``(5) proof of compliance with the requirements regarding protocols to strongly discourage compelling victim testimony, described in section 2017; ``(6) proof of compliance with the requirements regarding civil rights under section 40002(b)(13) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994;''; (B) in subsection (i)-- (i) in paragraph (1), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``and the requirements under section 40002(b) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b))''; and (ii) in paragraph (2)(C)(iv), by inserting after ``ethnicity,'' the following: ``sexual orientation, gender identity,''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(k) Reviews for Compliance With Nondiscrimination Requirements.-- ``(1) In general.--If allegations of discrimination in violation of section 40002(b)(13)(A) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(13)(A)) by a potential grantee under this part have been made to the Attorney General, the Attorney General shall, prior to awarding a grant under this part to such potential grantee, conduct a review of the compliance of the potential grantee with such section. ``(2) Establishment of rule.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, the Attorney General shall by rule establish procedures for such a review. ``(3) Annual report.--Beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, the Attorney General shall report to the Committees on the Judiciary of the Senate and of the House of Representatives regarding compliance with section 40002(b)(13)(A) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(13)(A)) by recipients of grants under this part.''; and (3) by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 2017. GRANT ELIGIBILITY REGARDING COMPELLING VICTIM TESTIMONY. ``In order to be eligible for a grant under this part, a State, Indian tribal government, territorial government, or unit of local government shall certify that, not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this section, their laws, policies, or practices will include a detailed protocol to discourage the use of bench warrants, material witness warrants, perjury charges, or other means of compelling victim-witness testimony in the investigation, prosecution, trial, or sentencing of a crime related to the domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking of the victim.''. (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1001(a)(18) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)(18)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 102. GRANTS TO IMPROVE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESPONSE. (a) Heading.--Part U of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10461 et seq.) is amended in the heading, by striking ``grants to encourage arrest policies'' and inserting ``grants to improve the criminal justice response''. (b) Grants.--Section 2101 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10461) is amended-- (1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following: ``(a) General Program Purpose.--The purpose of this part is to assist States, State and local courts (including juvenile courts), Indian tribal governments, tribal courts, and units of local government to develop and strengthen effective law enforcement and prosecution strategies to combat violent crimes against women, and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving violent crimes against women.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``proarrest'' and inserting ``offender accountability and homicide reduction''; (B) in paragraph (8)-- (i) by striking ``older individuals (as defined in section 102 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3002))'' and inserting ``people 50 years of age or over''; and (ii) by striking ``individuals with disabilities (as defined in section 3(2) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102(2)))'' and inserting ``people with disabilities (as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12102))''; (C) in paragraph (19), by inserting before the period at the end the following ``, including victims among underserved populations (as defined in section 40002(a)(46) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994)''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(23) To develop and implement an alternative justice response (as such term is defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994). ``(24) To develop and implement policies, procedures, protocols, laws, regulations, or training to ensure the lawful recovery and storage of any dangerous weapon by the appropriate law enforcement agency from an adjudicated perpetrator of any offense of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and the return of such weapon when appropriate, where any Federal, State, tribal, or local court has-- ``(A)(i) issued protective or other restraining orders against such a perpetrator; or [[Page H3015]] ``(ii) found such a perpetrator to be guilty of misdemeanor or felony crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(B) ordered the perpetrator to relinquish dangerous weapons that the perpetrator possesses or has used in the commission of at least one of the aforementioned crimes. Policies, procedures, protocols, laws, regulations, or training under this section shall include the safest means of recovery of and best practices for storage of relinquished and recovered dangerous weapons and their return, when applicable, at such time as the persons are no longer prohibited from possessing such weapons under Federal, State, Tribal or municipal law.''; and (3) in subsection (c)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A)-- (i) in clause (i), by striking ``encourage or mandate arrests of domestic violence offenders'' and inserting ``encourage arrests of offenders''; and (ii) in clause (ii), by striking ``encourage or mandate arrest of domestic violence offenders'' and inserting ``encourage arrest of offenders''; and (B) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following: ``(F) certify that, not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, their laws, policies, or practices will include a detailed protocol to strongly discourage the use of bench warrants, material witness warrants, perjury charges, or other means of compelling victim-witness testimony in the investigation, prosecution, trial, or sentencing of a crime related to the domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence or stalking of the victim; and''. (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 1001(a)(19) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10261(a)(19)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 103. LEGAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS. Section 1201 of division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 20121) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by inserting after ``no cost to the victims.'' the following: ``When legal assistance to a dependent is necessary for the safety of a victim, such assistance may be provided.''; (2) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting after ``stalking, and sexual assault'' the following: ``, or for dependents when necessary for the safety of a victim''; (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting after ``stalking, and sexual assault'' the following: ``, or for dependents when necessary for the safety of a victim,'' and (C) in paragraph (3), by inserting after ``sexual assault, or stalking'' the following: ``, or for dependents when necessary for the safety of a victim,''; and (3) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 104. GRANTS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM. Section 1301 of division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 12464) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (8)-- (i) by striking ``to improve'' and inserting ``improve''; and (ii) by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'' ; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following: ``(9) develop and implement an alternative justice response (as such term is defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994).''; and (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 105. OUTREACH AND SERVICES TO UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS GRANTS. Section 120 of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (34 U.S.C. 20123) is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (4), by striking ``or'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(6) developing, enlarging, or strengthening culturally specific programs and projects to provide culturally specific services regarding, responses to, and prevention of female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision.''; and (2) in subsection (g), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 106. CRIMINAL PROVISIONS. Section 2265 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)(3)-- (A) by striking ``restraining order or injunction,''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``The prohibition under this paragraph applies to all protection orders for the protection of a person residing within a State, territorial, or tribal jurisdiction, whether or not the protection order was issued by that State, territory, or Tribe.''; and (2) in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following: ``This applies to all Alaska tribes without respect to `Indian country' or the population of the Native village associated with the Tribe.''. SEC. 107. RAPE SURVIVOR CHILD CUSTODY. Section 409 of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015 (34 U.S.C. 21308) is amended by striking ``2015 through 2019'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. TITLE II--IMPROVING SERVICES FOR VICTIMS SEC. 201. SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES PROGRAM. Section 41601(f)(1) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12511(f)(1)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 202. RURAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, STALKING, AND CHILD ABUSE ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. Section 40295 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12341) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ``women'' and inserting ``adults, youth,''; and (2) in subsection (e)(1), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 203. TRAINING AND SERVICES TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. Section 1402 of division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 20122) is amended-- (1) in the heading, by striking ``women'' and inserting ``people''; (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``individuals'' each place it appears and inserting ``people''; (3) in subsection (b)-- (A) by striking ``disabled individuals'' each place it appears and inserting ``people with disabilities''; (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting after ``law enforcement'' the following: ``and other first responders''; and (C) in paragraph (8), by striking ``providing advocacy and intervention services within'' and inserting ``to enhance the capacity of''; (4) in subsection (c), by striking ``disabled individuals'' and inserting ``people with disabilities''; and (5) in subsection (e), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 204. TRAINING AND SERVICES TO END ABUSE IN LATER LIFE. Section 40801 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12421)-- (1) in the heading, by striking ``enhanced training'' and inserting ``training''; (2) by striking subsection ``(a) Definitions.--In this section--'' and all that follows through paragraph (1) of subsection (b) and inserting the following: ``The Attorney General shall make grants to eligible entities in accordance with the following:''; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (5) of subsection (b) as paragraphs (1) through (4); (4) in paragraph (1) (as redesignated by paragraph (3) of this subsection)-- (A) by striking ``, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, exploitation, and neglect'' each place it appears; (B) in subparagraph (A)-- (i) in clause (i), by inserting after ``elder abuse'' the following: ``and abuse in later life''; (ii) in clauses (ii) and (iii), by inserting after ``victims of'' the following: ``elder abuse and''; and (iii) in clause (iv), by striking ``advocates, victim service providers, and courts to better serve victims of abuse in later life'' and inserting ``leaders, victim advocates, victim service providers, courts, and first responders to better serve older victims''; (C) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) in clause (i), by striking ``or other community-based organizations in recognizing and addressing instances of abuse in later life'' and inserting ``community-based organizations, or other professionals who may identify or respond to abuse in later life''; and (ii) in clause (ii), by inserting after ``victims of'' the following: ``elder abuse and''; and (D) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``subparagraph (B)(ii)'' and inserting ``paragraph (2)(B)''; (5) in paragraph (2) (as redesignated by paragraph (3))-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``over 50 years of age'' and inserting ``50 years of age or over''; and (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``in later life'' and inserting ``50 years of age or over''; and (6) in paragraph (4) (as redesignated by paragraph (3)), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. TITLE III--SERVICES, PROTECTION, AND JUSTICE FOR YOUNG VICTIMS SEC. 301. RAPE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION GRANT. Section 393A of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280b-1b) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following ``or digital services (as such term is defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994)''; and (B) in paragraph (7), by striking ``sexual assault'' and inserting ``sexual violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment''; (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``Indian tribal'' and inserting ``Indian Tribal''; and (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$150,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''; and (B) in paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following: ``Not less than 80 percent of the total amount made available under this subsection in each fiscal year shall be awarded in accordance with this paragraph.''. [[Page H3016]] SEC. 302. CREATING HOPE THROUGH OUTREACH, OPTIONS, SERVICES, AND EDUCATION (CHOOSE) FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH. Section 41201 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12451) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by striking ``stalking, or sex trafficking'' and inserting ``or stalking''; and (B) by adding at the end the following: ``Grants awarded under this section may be used to address sex trafficking or bullying as part of a comprehensive program focused primarily on domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.''; (2) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking ``target youth who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking'' and inserting ``target youth, including youth in underserved populations who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking''; (ii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``stalking, and sex trafficking'' and inserting ``and stalking''; (iii) in subparagraph (B)-- (I) by striking ``stalking, or sex trafficking'' and inserting ``or stalking''; and (II) by striking ``or'' at the end; (iv) in subparagraph (C)-- (I) by striking ``stalking, and sex trafficking'' and inserting ``or stalking''; and (II) by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (v) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: ``(D) clarify State or local mandatory reporting policies and practices regarding peer-to-peer dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; or ``(E) develop, enlarge, or strengthen culturally specific programs and projects to provide culturally specific services regarding, responses to, and prevention of female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision.''; and (B) in paragraph (2)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``stalking, or sex trafficking'' and inserting ``stalking, or female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision''; (ii) by striking ``stalking, or sex trafficking'' each place it appears and inserting ``or stalking''; (iii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``confidential'' before ``support services''; (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``stalking, and sex trafficking'' and inserting ``and stalking''; and (v) in subparagraph (E), by inserting after ``programming for youth'' the following: ``, including youth in underserved populations,''; (3) in subsection (c)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``stalking, or sex trafficking'' and inserting ``or stalking''; and (B) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``paragraph (1)'' and inserting ``subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (1)''; (4) in subsection (d)(3), by striking ``stalking, and sex trafficking'' and inserting ``and stalking, including training on working with youth in underserved populations (and, where intervention or programming will include a focus on female genital mutilation, female genital cutting, or female circumcision, or on sex trafficking, sufficient training on those topics)''; and (5) in subsection (f), by striking ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$25,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''. SEC. 303. GRANTS TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIMES ON CAMPUSES. Section 304 of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (34 U.S.C. 20125) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking the second sentence; (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: ``(3) To provide prevention and education programming about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including technological abuse and reproductive and sexual coercion, that is age-appropriate, culturally relevant, ongoing, delivered in multiple venues on campus, accessible, promotes respectful nonviolent behavior as a social norm, and engages men and boys. Such programming should be developed in partnership or collaboratively with experts in intimate partner and sexual violence prevention and intervention.''; (C) in paragraph (9), by striking ``and provide'' and inserting ``, provide, and disseminate''; (D) in paragraph (10), by inserting after ``or adapt'' the following ``and disseminate''; and (E) by inserting after paragraph (10) the following: ``(11) To train campus health centers on how to recognize and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including training health providers on how to provide universal education to all members of the campus community on the impacts of violence on health and unhealthy relationships and how providers can support ongoing outreach efforts.''; (2) in subsection (c)(3), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''; (3) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``for all incoming students'' and inserting ``for all students''; and (B) in paragraph (4)(C), by inserting after ``sex,'' the following: ``sexual orientation, gender identity,''; and (4) in subsection (e), by striking ``$12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$16,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''. SEC. 304. COMBAT ONLINE PREDATORS. (a) In General.--Chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2261A the following: ``Sec. 2261B. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children ``(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), if the victim of an offense under section 2261A is under the age of 18 years, the maximum term of imprisonment for the offense is 5 years greater than the maximum term of imprisonment otherwise provided for that offense in section 2261. ``(b) Limitation.--Subsection (a) shall not apply to a person who violates section 2261A if-- ``(1) the person is subject to a sentence under section 2261(b)(5); and ``(2)(A) the person is under the age of 18 at the time the offense occurred; or ``(B) the victim of the offense is not less than 15 nor more than 17 years of age and not more than 3 years younger than the person who committed the offense at the time the offense occurred.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 110A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2261A the following new item: ``2261B. Enhanced penalty for stalkers of children.''. (c) Conforming Amendment.--Section 2261A of title 18, United States Code, is amended in the matter following paragraph (2)(B), by striking ``section 2261(b) of this title'' and inserting ``section 2261(b) or section 2261B, as the case may be''. (d) Report on Best Practices Regarding Enforcement of Anti- stalking Laws.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall submit a report to Congress, which shall-- (1) include an evaluation of Federal, tribal, State, and local efforts to enforce laws relating to stalking; and (2) identify and describe those elements of such efforts that constitute the best practices for the enforcement of such laws. TITLE IV--VIOLENCE REDUCTION PRACTICES SEC. 401. STUDY CONDUCTED BY THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION. Section 402 of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 280b-4) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``violence against women'' and inserting ``violence against adults, youth,''; and (2) in subsection (c), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 402. SAVING MONEY AND REDUCING TRAGEDIES (SMART) THROUGH PREVENTION GRANTS. Section 41303 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12463) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) strategies within each of these areas addressing the unmet needs of underserved populations.''; (2) in subsection (d)(3)-- (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(C) include a focus on the unmet needs of underserved populations.''; (3) in subsection (f), by striking ``$15,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''; and (4) in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Remaining amounts.--Any amounts not made available under paragraphs (1) and (2) may be used for any set of purposes described in paragraphs (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b), or for a project that fulfills two or more of such sets of purposes.''. TITLE V--STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS RESPONSE SEC. 501. GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS RESPONSE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. Section 399P of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 280g-4) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) the development or enhancement and implementation of training programs to improve the capacity of early childhood programs to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking among families they serve.''; (2) in subsection (b)(1)-- (A) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``, including labor and sex trafficking'' after ``other forms of violence and abuse''; (B) in subparagraph (B)(ii)-- (i) by striking ``on-site access to''; and (ii) by striking ``patients by increasing'' and all that follows through the semicolon and inserting the following: ``patients by-- ``(I) increasing the capacity of existing health care professionals and public health staff to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; [[Page H3017]] ``(II) contracting with or hiring advocates for victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to provide such services; or ``(III) providing funding to State domestic and sexual violence coalitions to improve the capacity of such coalitions to coordinate and support health advocates and other health system partnerships;''; (C) in subparagraph (B)(iii), by striking ``and'' at the end; (D) in subparagraph (B)(iv) by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``, with priority given to programs administered through the Health Resources and Services Administration, Office of Women's Health; and''; and (E) in subparagraph (B), by adding at the end the following: ``(v) the development, implementation, dissemination, and evaluation of best practices, tools, and training materials for behavioral health professionals to identify and respond to domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, and dating violence.''. (3) in subsection (b)(2)(A)-- (A) in the heading, by striking ``Child and elder abuse'' and inserting the following: ``Child abuse and abuse in later life''; and (B) by striking ``child or elder abuse'' and inserting the following: ``child abuse or abuse in later life''; (4) in subsection (b)(2)(C)(i), by striking ``elder abuse'' and inserting ``abuse in later life''; (5) in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iii), by striking ``or'' at the end; (6) in subsection (b)(2)(C)(iv)-- (A) by inserting ``mental health,'' after ``dental,''; and (B) by striking ``exams.'' and inserting ``exams and certifications;''; (7) in subsection (b)(2)(C), by inserting after clause (iv) the following: ``(v) development of a State-level pilot program to-- ``(I) improve the response of substance use disorder treatment programs and systems to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and ``(II) improve the capacity of substance use disorder treatment programs and systems to serve survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking dealing with substance use disorder; or ``(vi) development and utilization of existing technical assistance and training resources to improve the capacity of substance use disorder treatment programs to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking among patients the programs serve.'' (8) in subsection (d)(2)(A)-- (A) by inserting ``or behavioral health'' after ``of health''; (B) by inserting ``behavioral'' after ``physical or''; and (C) by striking ``mental'' before ``health care''; (9) in subsection (d)(2)(B)-- (A) by striking ``or health system'' and inserting ``behavioral health treatment system''; and (B) by striking ``mental'' and inserting ``behavioral''; (10) in subsection (f) in the heading, by striking ``Research and Evaluation'' and inserting ``Research, Evaluation, and Data Collection''; (11) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``research and evaluation'' and inserting ``research, evaluation, or data collection''; (12) in subsection (f)(1)(B), by inserting after ``health care'' the following: ``or behavioral health''; (13) in subsection (f)(2)-- (A) in the heading, by inserting after ``Research'' the following: ``and data collection''; (B) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ``or data collection'' before ``authorized in paragraph (1)''; (C) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' at the end; (D) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (E) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following: ``(E) research on the intersection of substance use disorder and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including the effect of coerced use and efforts by an abusive partner or other to interfere with substance use disorder treatment and recovery; and ``(F) improvement of data collection using existing Federal surveys by including questions about domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and substance use disorder, coerced use, and mental or behavioral health.''; (14) in subsection (g), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''; and (15) in subsection (h), by striking ``herein'' and ``provided for''. TITLE VI--SAFE HOMES FOR VICTIMS SEC. 601. HOUSING PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. Section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12491) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``brother, sister,'' and inserting ``sibling,''; and (B) in paragraph (3)-- (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting before the semicolon at the end the following: ``including the direct loan program under such section''; (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``the program under subtitle A'' and inserting ``the programs under subtitles A through D''; (iii) in subparagraph (I)-- (I) by striking ``sections 514, 515, 516, 533, and 538 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1485, 1486, 1490m, and 1490p-2)'' and inserting ``sections 514, 515, 516, 533, 538, and 542 of the Housing Act of 1949 (42 U.S.C. 1484, 1485, 1486, 1490m, 1490p-2, and 1490r)''; and (II) by striking ``and'' at the end; (iv) in subparagraph (J), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (v) by adding at the end the following: ``(K) the provision of assistance from the Housing Trust Fund as established under section 1338 of the Federal Housing Enterprises Financial Safety and Soundness Act of 1992 (12 U.S.C. 4501); ``(L) the provision of assistance for housing under the Comprehensive Service Programs for Homeless Veterans program under subchapter II of chapter 20 of title 38, United States Code (38 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.); ``(M) the provision of assistance for housing and facilities under the grant program for homeless veterans with special needs under section 2061 of title 38, United States Code; ``(N) the provision of assistance for permanent housing under the program for financial assistance for supportive services for very low-income veteran families in permanent housing under section 2044 of title 38, United States Code; and ``(O) any other Federal housing programs providing affordable housing to low-income persons by means of restricted rents or rental assistance as identified by the appropriate agency.''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(4) Covered housing provider.--The term `covered housing provider' refers to the individual or entity under a covered housing program that has responsibility for the administration or oversight of housing assisted under a covered housing program and includes public housing agencies, sponsors, owners, mortgagors, managers, grantee under the continuum of Care, State and local governments or agencies thereof, and nonprofit or for-profit organizations or entities. ``(5) Continuum of care.--The term `Continuum of Care' means the Federal program authorized under subtitle C of title IV of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11381 et seq.). ``(6) Internal transfer.--The term `internal transfer' means a transfer to a unit of the same covered housing provider and under the same covered housing program except for programs under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. ``(7) External transfer.--The term `external transfer' means a transfer to a unit of a different covered housing provider under the same covered housing program.''; (2) in subsection (b)(3)-- (A) in the heading, by inserting after ``criminal activity'' the following: ``and family break-up''; (B) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows: ``(A) Denial of assistance, tenancy, and occupancy rights prohibited.-- ``(i) In general.--A tenant shall not be denied assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to housing assisted under a covered housing program solely on the basis of criminal activity directly relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking that is engaged in by a member of the household of the tenant or any guest or other person under the control of the tenant, if the tenant or an affiliated individual of the tenant is the victim or threatened victim of such domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``(ii) Criminal activity engaged in by perpetrator of abuse.--A tenant shall not be denied assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to housing assisted under a covered housing program solely on the basis of criminal activity, including drug-related criminal activity (as such term is defined section 3(b)(9) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437a(b)(9)), engaged in by the perpetrator of the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``(iii) Review prior to denial of assistance.--Prior to denying assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights to housing assisted under a covered housing program to a tenant on the basis of criminal activity of the tenant, including drug- related criminal activity, the covered housing provider must conduct an individualized review of the totality of the circumstances regarding the criminal activity at issue if the tenant is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Such review shall include consideration of-- ``(I) the nature and severity of the criminal activity; ``(II) the amount of time that has elapsed since the occurrence of the criminal activity; ``(III) if the tenant engaged in more than one instance of criminal activity, the frequency and duration of the criminal activity; ``(IV) whether the criminal activity was related to a symptom of a disability, including a substance use disorder; ``(V) whether the victim was coerced by the perpetrator of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; ``(VI) whether the victim has taken affirmative steps to reduce the likelihood that the criminal activity will recur; and ``(VII) any mitigating factors. The covered housing program must provide the tenant with a written summary of its review and the tenant shall have the opportunity to invoke the covered housing program's grievance policy to dispute the findings.''; (C) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) in the heading, by striking ``Bifurcation'' and inserting ``Family break-up''; (ii) by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as clauses (ii) and (iii) respectively; (iii) by inserting before clause (ii) (as redesignated by clause (ii) of this subparagraph) the following: ``(i) In general.--If a family break-up results from an occurrence of domestic violence, dating [[Page H3018]] violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and the perpetrator no longer resides in the unit and was the sole tenant eligible to receive assistance under a covered housing program, the covered housing provider shall-- ``(I) provide any other tenant or resident the opportunity to establish eligibility for the covered housing program; or ``(II) provide that tenant or resident with at least 180 days to remain in the unit under the same terms and conditions as the perpetrator and find new housing or establish eligibility for another covered housing program.''. (iv) in clause (ii) (as redesignated by clause (ii) of this subparagraph)-- (I) in the heading, by striking ``In general'' and inserting ``Eviction''; and (II) by inserting after ``a public housing agency'' the following: ``, participating jurisdictions, grantees under the Continuum of Care, grantees,''; and (v) by striking clause (iii) (as redesignated by clause (ii) of this subparagraph); (D) in subparagraph (C)-- (i) in clause (iii), by striking ``or'' at the end; (ii) in clause (iv), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(v) to limit any right, remedy, or procedure otherwise available under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-162, 119 Stat. 2960) prior to the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.''; and (E) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following: ``(D) Early termination.--A covered housing provider shall permit a tenant assisted under the covered housing program to terminate the lease at any time prior to the end date of the lease, without penalty, if the tenant has been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the tenant-- ``(i) sends notice of the early lease termination to the landlord in writing prior to or within 3 days of vacating the premises unless a shorter notice period is provided for under State law; ``(ii)(I) reasonably believes that the tenant is threatened with imminent harm if the tenant remains within the same dwelling unit subject to the lease; or ``(II) is a victim of sexual assault, the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the 180-day period preceding the request for lease termination; and ``(iii) provides a form of documentation consistent with the requirements outlined in subsection (c)(3). Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed to preclude any automatic termination of a lease by operation of law.''; (3) in subsection (c)(4), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)-- (A) by striking ``Any information submitted to a public housing agency or owner or manager'' and inserting ``Covered housing providers shall ensure any information submitted''; and (B) by inserting after ``owner or manager'' the following: ``of housing assisted under a covered housing program''; (4) by amending subsection (e) to read as follows: ``(e) Emergency Transfers.-- ``(1) In general.--Tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking shall be transferred to another available and safe dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program if-- ``(A) the tenant expressly requests the transfer from the covered housing provider; and ``(B)(i) the tenant reasonably believes that the tenant is threatened with imminent harm from further violence if the tenant remains within the same dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program; or ``(ii) in the case of a tenant who is a victim of sexual assault, the sexual assault occurred on the premises during the 180 day period preceding the request for transfer. A tenant who is not in good standing retains the right to an emergency transfer if they meet the eligibility requirements in this section and the eligibility requirements of the program to which the tenant intends to transfer. ``(2) Policies.--Each appropriate agency shall adopt an emergency transfer policy for use by covered housing programs. Such emergency transfer policies shall reflect the variations in program operation and administration by covered housing program type. The policies must, at a minimum-- ``(A) describe a process that-- ``(i) permits tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to move to another available and safe dwelling quickly through an internal emergency transfer and by receiving a tenant protection voucher, if eligible, pursuant to subsection (f); ``(ii) provides that the victim can choose between completing an internal emergency transfer or receiving a tenant protection voucher, whichever is the safest option for the victim; and ``(iii) requires that an internal emergency transfer must occur within 10 days after a covered housing provider's approval of a request for an emergency transfer; ``(B) describe a process to permit tenants who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to complete an emergency external transfer; ``(C) describe a process that allows a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to temporarily relocate, while maintaining eligibility for the covered housing program without the loss of their housing status, if there are no alternative comparable housing program units available, until a safe housing unit under the covered housing program or a tenant protection voucher is available; ``(D) prioritize completing internal emergency transfers and receiving tenant protection vouchers over external emergency transfers, except for Continua of Care, which shall prioritize completing an internal emergency transfer or external emergency transfer prior to receiving a tenant protection voucher; ``(E) mandate that emergency internal and external transfers take priority over non-emergency transfers; ``(F) mandate that emergency internal and external transfers are not considered new applicants and take priority over existing waiting lists for a covered housing program; ``(G) incorporate confidentiality measures to ensure that the appropriate agency and the covered housing provider do not disclose any information regarding a tenant who is victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including the location of a new dwelling unit to any person or entity without the written authorization of the tenant; ``(H) mandate that if a victim cannot receive an internal transfer, external transfer, and a tenant protection voucher, then the covered housing provider must assist the victim in identifying other housing providers who may have safe and available units to which the victim can move and that the covered housing provider also assist tenants in contacting local organizations offering assistance to victims; and ``(I) mandate a uniform policy for how a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking requests an emergency internal or external transfer. ``(3) Local Systems Funded by Continuum of Care.--In addition to adopting the policies as defined in paragraph (2) in an emergency transfer policy, each grantee under the Continuum of Care shall designate the entity within its geographic area that will coordinate and facilitate emergency transfers, and that entity shall also--''. ``(A) coordinate emergency external transfers among all covered housing providers participating in the Continuum of Care; ``(B) identify an emergency external transfer, if available, within 30 days of an approved request; ``(C) coordinate emergency transfers with Continua of Care in other jurisdictions in cases where the victim requests an out-of-jurisdiction transfer; and ``(D) ensure a victim is not required to be reassessed through the local Continuum of Care intake process when seeking an emergency transfer placement. ``(4) Regional offices.--Each regional office of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereinafter in this section referred to as a `HUD regional office') shall develop and implement a regional emergency transfer plan in collaboration with public housing agencies and the entities designated under paragraph (3). Such a plan shall set forth how public housing agencies will coordinate emergency transfers with other public housing agencies regionally. The plans must be submitted to the Violence Against Women Director and be made publicly available. HUD regional offices shall defer to any additional emergency transfer policies, priorities and strategies set by entities designated under paragraph (3). ``(5) Covered housing providers.--Each covered housing provider shall develop and implement an emergency transfer policy consistent with the requirements in paragraph (2) or (3).''; (5) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: ``The Secretary shall establish these policies and procedures within 60 days after the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.''; (6) by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (k); and (7) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: ``(g) Emergency Transfer Policies and Procedures.--The head of each appropriate agency shall establish the policy required under subsection (e) with respect to emergency transfers and emergency transfer vouchers within 180 days after the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. ``(h) Emergency Transfer Vouchers.--Provision of emergency transfer vouchers to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking under subsection (e), shall be considered an eligible use of any funding for tenant protection voucher assistance available under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) subject to the availability of appropriated funds. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out emergency transfers under this section, $20,000,000 under section 8(o) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437f(o)) for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. ``(j) Training and Referrals.-- ``(1) Training for staff of covered housing programs.--The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, in partnership with domestic violence experts, shall develop mandatory training for staff of covered housing providers to provide a basic understanding of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to facilitate implementation of this section. All staff of covered housing providers shall attend the basic understanding training once annually; and all staff and managers engaged in tenant services shall attend both the basic understanding training and the implementation training once annually. ``(2) Referrals.--The appropriate agency with respect to each covered housing program shall supply all appropriate staff of the covered housing providers with a referral listing of public contact information for all domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking service providers offering services in its coverage area.''. [[Page H3019]] SEC. 602. ENSURING COMPLIANCE AND IMPLEMENTATION; PROHIBITING RETALIATION AGAINST VICTIMS. Chapter 2 of subtitle N of title IV of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12491 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 41411 the following: ``SEC. 41412. COMPLIANCE REVIEWS. ``(a) Annual Compliance Reviews.--Each appropriate agency administering a covered housing program shall establish a process by which to review compliance with the requirements of this subtitle, on an annual basis, of the covered housing providers administered by that agency. Such a review shall examine the following topics: ``(1) Covered housing provider compliance with requirements prohibiting the denial of assistance, tenancy, or occupancy rights on the basis of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``(2) Covered housing provider compliance with confidentiality provisions set forth in section 41411(c)(4). ``(3) Covered housing provider compliance with the notification requirements set forth in section 41411(d)(2). ``(4) Covered housing provider compliance with accepting documentation set forth in section 41411(c). ``(5) Covered housing provider compliance with emergency transfer requirements set forth in section 41411(e). ``(6) Covered housing provider compliance with the prohibition on retaliation set forth in section 41414. ``(b) Regulations.--Each appropriate agency shall issue regulations to implement subsection (a) not later than one year after the effective date of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. These regulations shall-- ``(1) define standards of compliance for covered housing providers; ``(2) include detailed reporting requirements, including the number of emergency transfers requested and granted, as well as the length of time needed to process emergency transfers, disaggregated by external and internal transfers; and ``(3) include standards for corrective action plans where a covered housing provider has failed to meet compliance standards. ``(c) Public Disclosure.--Each appropriate agency shall ensure that an agency-level assessment of the information collected during the compliance review process completed pursuant to this subsection is made publicly available. This agency-level assessment shall include an evaluation of each topic identified in subsection (a). ``(d) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed-- ``(1) to limit any claim filed or other proceeding commenced, by the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, with regard to any right, remedy, or procedure otherwise available under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109- 162, 119 Stat. 2960), as in effect on the day prior to such date of enactment; or ``(2) to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law that provides greater protection than this subsection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``SEC. 41413. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN DIRECTOR. ``(a) Establishment.--There shall be, within the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a Violence Against Women Director (in this section referred to as the `Director'). ``(b) Duties.--The Director shall-- ``(1) support implementation of the provisions of this subtitle; ``(2) coordinate development of Federal regulations, policy, protocols, and guidelines on matters relating to the implementation of this subtitle, at each agency administering a covered housing program; ``(3) advise and coordinate with designated officials within the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Justice concerning legislation, implementation, and other issues relating to or affecting the housing provisions under this subtitle; ``(4) provide technical assistance, coordination, and support to each appropriate agency regarding advancing housing protections and access to housing for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including compliance with this subtitle; ``(5) ensure that adequate technical assistance is made available to covered housing providers regarding implementation of this subtitle, as well as other issues related to advancing housing protections for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including compliance with this subtitle; ``(6) act as a liaison with the judicial branches of Federal, State, and local governments on matters relating to the housing needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; ``(7) implement a quality control system and a corrective action plan system for those covered housing providers that fail to comply with this subtitle, wherein-- ``(A) such corrective action plans shall be developed in partnership with national, State, or local programs focused on child or adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(B) such corrective action plans shall include provisions requiring covered housing providers to review and develop appropriate notices, procedures, and staff training to improve compliance with this subtitle, in partnership with national, state, or local programs focused on child or adult victims; ``(8) establish a formal reporting process to receive individual complaints concerning noncompliance with this subtitle; ``(9) coordinate the development of interagency guidelines to ensure that information concerning available dwelling units is forwarded to the Director by all covered housing providers for use by the Secretary in facilitating the emergency transfer process; ``(10) coordinate with HUD regional offices and officials at each appropriate agency the development of Federal regulations, policy, protocols, and guidelines regarding uniform timeframes for the completion of emergency transfers; and ``(11) ensure that the guidance and notices to victims are distributed in commonly encountered languages. ``(c) Rules of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed-- ``(1) to limit any claim filed or other proceeding commenced, by the date of enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, with regard to any right, remedy, or procedure otherwise available under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109- 162, 119 Stat. 2960), as in effect on the day prior to such date of enactment; or ``(2) to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law that provides greater protection than this subsection for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. ``SEC. 41414. PROHIBITION ON RETALIATION. ``(a) Nondiscrimination Requirement.--No covered housing provider shall discriminate against any person because that person has opposed any act or practice made unlawful by this subtitle, or because that individual testified, assisted, or participated in any matter related to this subtitle. ``(b) Prohibition on Coercion.--No covered housing provider shall coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with, or retaliate against, any person in the exercise or enjoyment of, or on account of the person having exercised or enjoyed, or on account of the person having aided or encouraged any other individual in the exercise or enjoyment of, any rights or protections under this subtitle, including-- ``(1) intimidating or threatening any person because that person is assisting or encouraging an individual entitled to claim the rights or protections under this subtitle; and ``(2) retaliating against any person because that person has participated in any investigation or action to enforce this subtitle. ``(c) Enforcement Authority of the Secretary.--The authority of the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and the Office for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity to enforce this section shall be the same as the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. 3610 et seq.).''. SEC. 603. PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO REPORT CRIME FROM ONE'S HOME. (a) In General.--Chapter 2 of subtitle N of title IV of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12491 et seq.), as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 41414 the following: ``SEC. 41415. RIGHT TO REPORT CRIME AND EMERGENCIES FROM ONE'S HOME. ``(a) In General.--Landlords, homeowners, residents, occupants, and guests of, and applicants for, housing assisted under a covered housing program shall have the right to seek law enforcement or emergency assistance on their own behalf or on behalf of another person in need of assistance, and shall not be penalized based on their requests for assistance or based on criminal activity of which they are a victim or otherwise not at fault under statutes, ordinances, regulations, or policies adopted or enforced by covered governmental entities as defined in subsection (d). Penalties that are prohibited include-- ``(1) actual or threatened assessment of penalties, fees, or fines; ``(2) actual or threatened eviction; ``(3) actual or threatened refusal to rent or renew tenancy; ``(4) actual or threatened refusal to issue an occupancy permit or landlord permit; and ``(5) actual or threatened closure of the property, or designation of the property as a nuisance or a similarly negative designation. ``(b) Reporting.--Consistent with the process provided for in section 104(b) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5304(b)), covered governmental entities shall-- ``(1) report any of their laws or policies, or, as applicable, the laws or policies adopted by subgrantees, that impose penalties on landlords, homeowners, residents, occupants, guests, or housing applicants based on requests for law enforcement or emergency assistance or based on criminal activity that occurred at a property; and ``(2) certify that they are in compliance with the protections under this subtitle or describe the steps they will take within 180 days to come into compliance, or to ensure compliance among subgrantees. ``(c) Oversight.--Oversight and accountability mechanisms provided for under title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) shall be available to address violations of this section. ``(d) Definition.--For purposes of this section, `covered governmental entity' shall mean any municipal, county, or state government that receives funding pursuant to section 106 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306). [[Page H3020]] ``(e) Subgrantees.--For those covered governmental entities that distribute funds to subgrantees, compliance with subsection (b)(1) includes inquiring about the existence of laws and policies adopted by subgrantees that impose penalties on landlords, homeowners, residents, occupants, guests, or housing applicants based on requests for law enforcement or emergency assistance or based on criminal activity that occurred at a property.''. (b) Supporting Effective, Alternative Crime Reduction Methods.-- (1) Additional authorized use of byrne-jag funds.--Section 501(a)(1) of subpart 1 of part E of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10152(a)(1)) is amended by adding after subparagraph (H) the following: ``(I) Programs for the development and implementation of alternative methods of reducing crime in communities, to supplant punitive programs or policies. For purposes of this subparagraph, a punitive program or policy is a program or policy that (i) imposes a penalty on a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, on the basis of a request by the victim for law enforcement or emergency assistance; or (ii) imposes a penalty on such a victim because of criminal activity at the property in which the victim resides.''. (2) Additional authorized use of cops funds.--Section 1701(b) of part Q of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10381(b)) is amended-- (A) in paragraph (22), by striking ``and'' after the semicolon; (B) in paragraph (23), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (C) by adding at the end the following: ``(24) to develop and implement alternative methods of reducing crime in communities, to supplant punitive programs or policies (as such term is defined in section 501(a)(1)(I)).''. (3) Additional authorized use of grants to encourage arrest policies.--Section 2101(b) of part U of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10461(b)), as amended by this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following: ``(25) To develop and implement alternative methods of reducing crime in communities, to supplant punitive programs or policies. For purposes of this paragraph, a punitive program or policy is a program or policy that (A) imposes a penalty on a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, on the basis of a request by the victim for law enforcement or emergency assistance; or (B) imposes a penalty on such a victim because of criminal activity at the property in which the victim resides.''. SEC. 604. TRANSITIONAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE GRANTS FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING. Section 40299 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12351) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1)-- (A) by striking ``the Director of the Violence Against Women Office'' and inserting ``the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women''; and (B) by inserting after ``, other nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations'' the following: ``, population-specific organizations''; and (2) in subsection (g)-- (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''; and (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``5 percent'' and inserting ``8 percent''. SEC. 605. ADDRESSING THE HOUSING NEEDS OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. (a) McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants.--Section 423(a) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11383(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(13) Facilitating and coordinating activities to ensure compliance with section 41411(e) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, including, in consultation with the regional office (if applicable) of the appropriate agency (as such term is defined in section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994), development of external emergency transfer memoranda of understanding between covered housing providers, participating in the local Continua of Care, facilitation of external emergency transfers between those covered housing providers participating in the local Continua of Care, and monitoring compliance with the confidentiality protections of section 41411(c)(4) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 for reporting to that regional office.''. (b) Definition of Domestic Violence and Other Dangerous or Life-Threatening Conditions Amended.--Section 103(b) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11302(b)) is amended to read as follows: (b) Domestic Violence and Other Dangerous or Life- Threatening Conditions.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the Secretary shall consider to be homeless any individual or family who-- ``(1) is fleeing, or attempting to flee, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and who have no other residence and lack resoures to obtain other permanent housing; or ``(2) is fleeing or attempting to flee a dangerous or life- threateniing condition in the individual's or family's current housing situation, including where the health and safety of children are jeopardized and who have no other residence and lack the resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing.'. (c) Collaborative Grants To Increase the Long-Term Stability of Victims.--Section 41404(i) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12474(i)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. (d) Grants To Combat Violence Against Women in Public and Assisted Housing.--Section 41405 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12475) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b), by striking ``the Director of the Violence Against Women Office'' and inserting ``the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women''; (2) in subsection (c)(2)(D), by inserting after ``linguistically and culturally specific service providers,'' the following: ``population-specific organizations,''; and (3) in subsection (g), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting the following: ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 606. UNITED STATES HOUSING ACT OF 1937 AMENDMENTS. Section 5A(d) of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. 1437c-1(d)) is amended-- (1) by amending paragraph (13) to read as follows: ``(13) Domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking programs.-- ``(A) Copies.--A copy of-- ``(i) all standardized notices issued pursuant to the housing protections under subtitle N of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, including the notice required under section 41411(d) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994; ``(ii) the emergency transfer plan issued pursuant to section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994; and ``(iii) any and all memoranda of understanding with other covered housing providers developed to facilitate emergency transfers under section 41411(e) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. ``(B) Descriptions.--A description of-- ``(i) any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by an agency, either directly or in partnership with other service providers, to child or adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; ``(ii) any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by a public housing agency that helps child and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, to obtain or maintain housing; ``(iii) any activities, services, or programs provided or offered by a public housing agency to prevent domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or to enhance victim safety in assisted families; and ``(iv) all training and support services offered to staff of the public housing agency to provide a basic understanding of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and to facilitate implementation of the housing protections of section 41411 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.''; and (2) in pararaph (16), by inserting ``the Violence Against Women Act of 1994,'' before ``the Fair Housing Act''. TITLE VII--ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR VICTIMS SEC. 701. FINDINGS. Congress finds the following: (1) Over 1 in 3 women experience sexual violence, and 1 in 5 women have survived completed or attempted rape. Such violence has a devastating impact on women's physical and emotional health, financial security, and ability to maintain their jobs, and thus impacts interstate commerce and economic security. (2) The Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one intimate partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can include physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. Domestic violence includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound an individual. (3) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that domestic violence or intimate partner violence is a serious public health issue for millions of individuals in the United States. Nearly 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men in the United States have suffered sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner. (4) Homicide is one of the leading causes of death for women on the job. Domestic partners or relatives commit 43 percent of workplace homicides against women. One study found that intimate partner violence resulted in 142 homicides among women at work in the United States from 2003 to 2008, a figure which represents 22 percent of the 648 workplace homicides among women during the period. In fact, in 2010, homicides against women at work increased by 13 percent despite continuous declines in overall workplace homicides in recent years. (5) Women in the United States are 11 times more likely to be murdered with guns than women in other high-income countries. Female intimate partners are more likely to be murdered with a firearm than all other means combined. The presence of a gun in domestic violence situations increases the risk of homicide for women by 500 percent. (6) Violence can have a dramatic impact on the survivor of such violence. Studies indicate that 44 percent of surveyed employed adults experienced the effect of domestic violence in the workplace, and 64 percent indicated their workplace performance was affected by such violence. Another recent survey found that 78 percent of offenders used workplace resources to express anger, check up on, pressure, or threaten a survivor. Sexual assault, whether occurring in or out of the workplace, can impair an employee's work performance, require time away from work, and undermine the employee's ability to maintain a job. Nearly 50 percent of sexual assault survivors lose their jobs or are forced to quit in the aftermath of the assaults. [[Page H3021]] (7) Studies find that 60 percent of single women lack economic security and 81 percent of households with single mothers live in economic insecurity. Significant barriers that survivors confront include access to housing, transportation, and child care. Ninety-two percent of homeless women have experienced domestic violence, and more than 50 percent of such women cite domestic violence as the direct cause for homelessness. Survivors are deprived of their autonomy, liberty, and security, and face tremendous threats to their health and safety. (8) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that survivors of severe intimate partner violence lose nearly 8,000,000 days of paid work, which is the equivalent of more than 32,000 full-time jobs and almost 5,600,000 days of household productivity each year. Therefore, women disproportionately need time off to care for their health or to find safety solutions, such as obtaining a restraining order or finding housing, to avoid or prevent further violence. (9) Annual costs of intimate partner violence are estimated to be more than $8,300,000,000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the costs of intimate partner violence against women in 1995 exceeded an estimated $5,800,000,000. These costs included nearly $4,100,000,000 in the direct costs of medical and mental health care and nearly $1,800,000,000 in the indirect costs of lost productivity. These statistics are generally considered to be underestimated because the costs associated with the criminal justice system are not included. (10) Fifty-five percent of senior executives recently surveyed said domestic violence has a harmful effect on their company's productivity, and more than 70 percent said domestic violence negatively affects attendance. Seventy- eight percent of human resources professionals consider partner violence a workplace issue. However, more than 70 percent of United States workplaces have no formal program or policy that addresses workplace violence, let alone domestic violence. In fact, only four percent of employers provided training on domestic violence. (11) Studies indicate that one of the best predictors of whether a survivor will be able to stay away from his or her abuser is the degree of his or her economic independence. However, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking often negatively impact a survivor's ability to maintain employment. (12) Abusers frequently seek to exert financial control over their partners by actively interfering with their ability to work, including preventing their partners from going to work, harassing their partners at work, limiting their partners' access to cash or transportation, and sabotaging their partners' child care arrangements. (13) Economic abuse refers to behaviors that control an intimate partner's ability to acquire, use, and maintain access to, money, credit, ownership of assets, or access to governmental or private financial benefits, including defaulting on joint obligations (such as school loans, credit card debt, mortgages, or rent). Other forms of such abuse may include preventing someone from attending school, threatening to or actually terminating employment, controlling or withholding access to cash, checking, or credit accounts, and attempting to damage or sabotage the creditworthiness of an intimate partner, including forcing an intimate partner to write bad checks, forcing an intimate partner to default on payments related to household needs, such as housing, or forcing an intimate partner into bankruptcy. (14) The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), and the amendments made by such Act, ensures that most health plans must cover preventive services, including screening and counseling for domestic violence, at no additional cost. In addition, it prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against patients for preexisting conditions, like domestic violence. (15) Yet, more can be done to help survivors. Federal law in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act does not explicitly-- (A) authorize survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to take leave from work to seek legal assistance and redress, counseling, or assistance with safety planning activities; (B) address the eligibility of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking for unemployment compensation; (C) provide job protection to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (D) prohibit insurers and employers who self-insure employee benefits from discriminating against survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and those who help them in determining eligibility, rates charged, and standards for payment of claims; or (E) prohibit insurers from disclosing information about abuse and the location of the survivors through insurance databases and other means. (16) This Act aims to empower survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to be free from violence, hardship, and control, which restrains basic human rights to freedom and safety in the United States. SEC. 702. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER ON WORKPLACE RESPONSES TO ASSIST VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE. Section 41501 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12501) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a)-- (A) by inserting ``and sexual harassment'' after ``domestic and sexual violence''; and (B) by striking ``employers and labor organizations'' and inserting ``employers, labor organizations, and victim service providers''; (2) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ``and stalking'' and inserting ``stalking, and sexual harassment''; (3) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting before the period at the end ``or sexual harassment''; (4) in subsection (c)(2)(A), by inserting ``or sexual harassment'' after ``sexual violence''; and (5) in subsection (e), by striking ``$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``$2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024''. SEC. 703. ENTITLEMENT TO UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL AND OTHER HARASSMENT AND SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING. (a) Unemployment Compensation.-- (1) Section 3304(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (18), by redesignating paragraph (19) as paragraph (20), and by inserting after paragraph (18) the following new paragraph: ``(19) no person may be denied compensation under such State law solely on the basis of the individual having a voluntary separation from work if such separation is attributable to such individual being a victim of sexual or other harassment or a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and''. (2) Section 3304 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: ``(g) Sexual or Other Harassment; etc.-- ``(1) Documentation.--For purposes of subsection (a)(19), a voluntary separation of an individual shall be considered to be attributable to such individual being a survivor or victim of sexual or other harassment or a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking if such individual submits such evidence as the State deems sufficient. ``(2) Sufficient documentation.--For purposes of paragraph (1), a State shall deem sufficient, at a minimum-- ``(A) evidence of such harassment, violence, assault, or stalking in the form of-- ``(i) a sworn statement and a form of identification, ``(ii) a police or court record, or ``(iii) documentation from a victim service provider, an attorney, a police officer, a medical professional, a social worker, an antiviolence counselor, a member of the clergy, or another professional, and ``(B) an attestation that such voluntary separation is attributable to such harassment, violence, assault, or stalking. ``(3) Definitions.--For purposes of this section-- ``(A) The terms `domestic violence', `sexual assault', and `stalking' victim of sexual or other harassment', and `survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking' have the meanings given such terms under State law, regulation, or policy. ``(B) The term `victim service provider' has the meaning given such term in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994.''. (b) Unemployment Compensation Personnel Training.--Section 303(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(a)) is amended-- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (12) as paragraphs (5) through (13), respectively; and (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph: ``(4)(A) Such methods of administration as will ensure that-- ``(i) applicants for unemployment compensation and individuals inquiring about such compensation are notified of the provisions of section 3304(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and ``(ii) claims reviewers and hearing personnel are trained in-- ``(I) the nature and dynamics of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(II) methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking to ensure that-- ``(aa) requests for unemployment compensation based on separations stemming from sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking are identified and adjudicated; and ``(bb) confidentiality is provided for the individual's claim and submitted evidence. ``(B) For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) the terms `domestic violence', `sexual assault', and `stalking' have the meanings given such terms in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ; ``(ii) the term `sexual and other harassment' has the meaning given such term under State law, regulation, or policy; and ``(iii) the term `survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking' means-- ``(I) a person who has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(II) a person whose family or household member has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.''. (c) TANF Personnel Training.--Section 402(a) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 602(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: ``(8) Certification that the state will provide information to survivors of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.-- ``(A) In general.--A certification by the chief executive officer of the State that the State has established and is enforcing standards and procedures to-- ``(i) ensure that applicants for assistance under the State program funded under this part [[Page H3022]] and individuals inquiring about such assistance are adequately notified of-- ``(I) the provisions of section 3304(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and ``(II) assistance made available by the State to survivors of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; ``(ii) ensure that case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are adequately trained in-- ``(I) the nature and dynamics of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; ``(II) State standards and procedures relating to the prevention of, and assistance for individuals who are survivors of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(III) methods of ascertaining and keeping confidential information about possible experiences of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; ``(iii) ensure that, if a State has elected to establish and enforce standards and procedures regarding the screening for, and identification of, domestic violence pursuant to paragraph (7)-- ``(I) applicants for assistance under the State program funded under this part and individuals inquiring about such assistance are adequately notified of options available under such standards and procedures; and ``(II) case workers and other agency personnel responsible for administering the State program funded under this part are provided with adequate training regarding such standards and procedures and options available under such standards and procedures; and ``(iv) ensure that the training required under subparagraphs (B) and, if applicable, (C)(ii) is provided through a training program operated by an eligible entity. ``(B) Definitions.--For purposes of this paragraph-- ``(i) the terms `domestic violence', `sexual assault', and `stalking' have the meanings given such terms in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 ; ``(ii) the term `sexual and other harassment' has the meaning given such term under State law, regulation, or policy; and ``(iii) the term `survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking' means-- ``(I) a person who has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(II) a person whose family or household member has experienced or is experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.''. (d) Sexual and Other Harassment, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking Training Grant Program.-- (1) Grants authorized.--The Secretary of Labor (in this subsection referred to as the ``Secretary'') is authorized to award-- (A) a grant to a national victim service provider in order for such organization to-- (i) develop and disseminate a model training program (and related materials) for the training required under section 303(a)(4)(B) of the Social Security Act, as added by subsection (b), and under subparagraph (B) and, if applicable, subparagraph (C)(ii) of section 402(a)(8) of such Act, as added by subsection (c); and (ii) provide technical assistance with respect to such model training program, including technical assistance to the temporary assistance for needy families program and unemployment compensation personnel; and (B) grants to State, tribal, or local agencies in order for such agencies to contract with eligible entities to provide State, tribal, or local caseworkers and other State, tribal, or local agency personnel responsible for administering the temporary assistance for needy families program established under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act in a State or Indian reservation with the training required under subparagraph (B) and, if applicable, subparagraph (C)(ii) of such section 402(a)(8). (2) Eligible entity defined.--For purposes of paragraph (1)(B), the term ``eligible entity'' means an entity-- (A) that is-- (i) a State or tribal domestic violence coalition or sexual assault coalition; (ii) a State or local victim service provider with recognized expertise in the dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking whose primary mission is to provide services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including a rape crisis center or domestic violence program; or (iii) an organization with demonstrated expertise in State or county welfare laws and implementation of such laws and experience with disseminating information on such laws and implementation, but only if such organization will provide the required training in partnership with an entity described in clause (i) or (ii); and (B) that-- (i) has demonstrated expertise in the dynamics of both domestic violence and sexual assault, such as a joint domestic violence and sexual assault coalition; or (ii) will provide the required training in partnership with an entity described in clause (i) or (ii) of subparagraph (A) in order to comply with the dual domestic violence and sexual assault expertise requirement under clause (i). (3) Application.--An entity seeking a grant under this subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such form and manner, and containing such information as the Secretary specifies. (4) Reports.-- (A) Reports to congress.--Not later than a year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the grant program established under this subsection. (B) Reports available to public.--The Secretary shall establish procedures for the dissemination to the public of each report submitted under subparagraph (A). Such procedures shall include the use of the internet to disseminate such reports. (5) Authorization of appropriations.-- (A) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated-- (i) $1,000,000 for fiscal year 2020 to carry out the provisions of paragraph (1)(A); and (ii) $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to carry out the provisions of paragraph (1)(B). (B) Three-year availability of grant funds.--Each recipient of a grant under this subsection shall return to the Secretary any unused portion of such grant not later than 3 years after the date the grant was awarded, together with any earnings on such unused portion. (C) Amounts returned.--Any amounts returned pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be available without further appropriation to the Secretary for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of paragraph (1)(B). (e) Effect on Existing Laws, etc.-- (1) More protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans.--Nothing in this title shall be construed to supersede any provision of any Federal, State, or local law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan that provides greater unemployment insurance benefits for survivors of sexual and other harassment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking than the rights established under this title. (2) Less protective laws, agreements, programs, and plans.--Any law, collective bargaining agreement, or employment benefits program or plan of a State or unit of local government is preempted to the extent that such law, agreement, or program or plan would impair the exercise of any right established under this title or the amendments made by this title. (f) Effective Date.-- (1) Unemployment amendments.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B) and paragraph (2), the amendments made by this section shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning on or after the expiration of the 180-day period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Extension of effective date for state law amendment.-- (i) In general.--Except as provided in paragraph (2), in a case in which the Secretary of Labor identifies a State as requiring a change to its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with the amendments made by this section, such amendments shall apply in the case of compensation paid for weeks beginning after the earlier of-- (I) the date the State changes its statutes, regulations, or policies in order to comply with such amendments; or (II) the end of the first session of the State legislature which begins after the date of enactment of this Act or which began prior to such date and remained in session for at least 25 calendar days after such date, except that in no case shall such amendments apply before the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (ii) Session defined.--In this subparagraph, the term ``session'' means a regular, special, budget, or other session of a State legislature. (2) TANF amendment.-- (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendment made by subsection (c) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. (B) Extension of effective date for state law amendment.-- In the case of a State plan under part A of title IV of the Social Security Act which the Secretary of Health and Human Services determines requires State action (including legislation, regulation, or other administrative action) in order for the plan to meet the additional requirements imposed by the amendment made by subsection (c), the State plan shall not be regarded as failing to comply with the requirements of such amendment on the basis of its failure to meet these additional requirements before the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning after the close of the first regular session of the State legislature that begins after the date of enactment of this Act. For purposes of the previous sentence, in the case of a State that has a two-year legislative session, each year of the session is considered to be a separate regular session of the State legislature. (g) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``domestic violence'', ``sexual assault'', ``stalking'', ``survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking'', and ``victim service provider'' have the meanings given such terms in section 3304(g) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. SEC. 704. STUDY AND REPORTS ON BARRIERS TO SURVIVORS' ECONOMIC SECURITY ACCESS. (a) Study.--The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall conduct a study on the barriers that survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking throughout the United States experience in maintaining economic security as a result of issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (b) Reports.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this title, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall submit a report to Congress on the study conducted under subsection (a). (c) Contents.--The study and reports under this section shall include-- (1) identification of geographic areas in which State laws, regulations, and practices have a [[Page H3023]] strong impact on the ability of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to exercise-- (A) any rights under this Act without compromising personal safety or the safety of others, including family members and excluding the abuser; and (B) other components of economic security; (2) identification of geographic areas with shortages in resources for such survivors, with an accompanying analysis of the extent and impact of such shortage; (3) analysis of factors related to industries, workplace settings, employer practices, trends, and other elements that impact the ability of such survivors to exercise any rights under this Act without compromising personal safety or the safety of others, including family members; (4) the recommendations of the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Secretary of Labor with respect to resources, oversight, and enforcement tools to ensure successful implementation of the provisions of this Act in order to support the economic security and safety of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (5) best practices for States, employers, health carriers, insurers, and other private entities in addressing issues related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. SEC. 705. GAO STUDY. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report that examines, with respect to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are, or were, enrolled at institutions of higher education and borrowed a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1070 et seq.) for which the survivors have not repaid the total interest and principal due, each of the following: (1) The implications of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking on a borrower's ability to repay their Federal student loans. (2) The adequacy of policies and procedures regarding Federal student loan deferment, forbearance, and grace periods when a survivor has to suspend or terminate the survivor's enrollment at an institution of higher education due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (3) The adequacy of institutional policies and practices regarding retention or transfer of credits when a survivor has to suspend or terminate the survivor's enrollment at an institution of higher education due to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (4) The availability or any options for a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who attended an institution of higher education that committed unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, or otherwise substantially misrepresented information to students, to be able to seek a defense to repayment of the survivor's Federal student loan. (5) The limitations faced by a survivor of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to obtain any relief or restitution on the survivor's Federal student loan debt due to the use of forced arbitration, gag orders, or bans on class actions. SEC. 706. EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PROGRAMS FOR SURVIVORS. (a) Public Education Campaign.-- (1) In general.--The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the grant recipient under section 41501 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 that establishes the national resource center on workplace responses to assist victims of domestic and sexual violence) and the Attorney General (through the Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women), shall coordinate and provide for a national public outreach and education campaign to raise public awareness of the workplace impact of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including outreach and education for employers, service providers, teachers, and other key partners. This campaign shall pay special attention to ensure that survivors are made aware of the existence of the following types of workplace laws (federal and/or State): anti-discrimination laws that bar treating survivors differently; leave laws, both paid and unpaid that are available for use by survivors; unemployment insurance laws and policies that address survivor eligibility. (2) Dissemination.--The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General, as described in paragraph (1), may disseminate information through the public outreach and education campaign on the resources and rights referred to in this subsection directly or through arrangements with health agencies, professional and nonprofit organizations, consumer groups, labor organizations, institutions of higher education, clinics, the media, and Federal, State, and local agencies. (3) Information.--The information disseminated under paragraph (2) shall include, at a minimum, a description of-- (A) the resources and rights that are-- (i) available to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (ii) established in this Act and the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C.12291 et seq.); (B) guidelines and best practices on prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, and sexual assault; (C) resources that promote healthy relationships and communication skills; (D) resources that encourage bystander intervention in a situation involving domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault; (E) resources that promote workplace policies that support and help maintain the economic security of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and (F) resources and rights that the heads of Federal agencies described in paragraph (2) determine are appropriate to include. (b) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Employee.-- (A) In general.--The term ``employee'' means any individual employed by an employer. In the case of an individual employed by a public agency, such term means an individual employed as described in section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(e)(2)). (B) Basis.--The term includes a person employed as described in subparagraph (A) on a full- or part-time basis, for a fixed time period, on a temporary basis, pursuant to a detail, or as a participant in a work assignment as a condition of receipt of Federal or State income-based public assistance. (2) Employer.--The term ``employer''-- (A) means any person engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce who employs 15 or more individuals; and (B) includes any person acting directly or indirectly in the interest of an employer in relation to an employee, and includes a public agency that employs individuals as described in section 3(e)(2) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, but does not include any labor organization (other than when acting as an employer) or anyone acting in the capacity of officer or agent of such labor organization. (3) FLSA terms.--The terms ``employ'' and ``State'' have the meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203). (c) Study on Workplace Responses.--The Secretary of Labor, in conjunction with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall conduct a study on the status of workplace responses to employees who experience domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking while employed, in each State and nationally, to improve the access of survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking to supportive resources and economic security. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. SEC. 707. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Act, any amendment made by this Act, or the application of such provision or amendment to any person or circumstance is held to be unconstitutional, the remainder of the provisions of this Act, the amendments made by this Act, and the application of such provisions or amendments to any person or circumstance shall not be affected. TITLE VIII--HOMICIDE REDUCTION INITIATIVES SEC. 801. PROHIBITING PERSONS CONVICTED OF MISDEMEANOR CRIMES AGAINST DATING PARTNERS AND PERSONS SUBJECT TO PROTECTION ORDERS. Section 921(a) of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (32), by striking all that follows after ``The term `intimate partner' '' and inserting the following: ``-- ``(A) means, with respect to a person, the spouse of the person, a former spouse of the person, an individual who is a parent of a child of the person, and an individual who cohabitates or has cohabited with the person; and ``(B) includes-- ``(i) a dating partner or former dating partner (as defined in section 2266); and ``(ii) any other person similarly situated to a spouse who is protected by the domestic or family violence laws of the State or tribal jurisdiction in which the injury occurred or where the victim resides.''; (2) in paragraph (33)(A)-- (A) in clause (i), by inserting after ``Federal, State,'' the following: ``municipal,''; and (B) in clause (ii), by inserting ``intimate partner,'' after ``spouse,'' each place it appears; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (34) and (35) as paragraphs (35) and (36) respectively; and (4) by inserting after paragraph (33) the following: ``(34)(A) The term `misdemeanor crime of stalking' means an offense that-- ``(i) is a misdemeanor crime of stalking under Federal, State, Tribal, or municipal law; and ``(ii) is a course of harassment, intimidation, or surveillance of another person that-- ``(I) places that person in reasonable fear of material harm to the health or safety of-- ``(aa) that person; ``(bb) an immediate family member (as defined in section 115) of that person; ``(cc) a household member of that person; or ``(dd) a spouse or intimate partner of that person; or ``(II) causes, attempts to cause, or would reasonably be expected to cause emotional distress to a person described in item (aa), (bb), (cc), or (dd) of subclause (I). ``(B) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter, unless-- ``(i) the person was represented by counsel in the case, or knowingly and intelligently waived the right to counsel in the case; and ``(ii) in the case of a prosecution for an offense described in this paragraph for which a person was entitled to a jury trial in the jurisdiction in which the case was tried, either-- ``(I) the case was tried by a jury; or ``(II) the person knowingly and intelligently waived the right to have the case tried by a jury, by guilty plea or otherwise. [[Page H3024]] ``(C) A person shall not be considered to have been convicted of such an offense for purposes of this chapter if the conviction has been expunged or set aside, or is an offense for which the person has been pardoned or has had civil rights restored (if the law of the applicable jurisdiction provides for the loss of civil rights under such an offense) unless the pardon, expungement, or restoration of civil rights expressly provides that the person may not ship, transport, possess, or receive firearms.''. SEC. 802. PROHIBITING STALKERS AND INDIVIDUALS SUBJECT TO COURT ORDER FROM POSSESSING A FIREARM. Section 922 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in subsection (d)-- (A) in paragraph (8), by striking ``that restrains such person'' and all that follows, and inserting ``described in subsection (g)(8);''; (B) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; or''; (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: ``(10) who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of stalking.''; and (2) in subsection (g)-- (A) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows: ``(8) who is subject to a court order-- ``(A) that was issued-- ``(i) after a hearing of which such person received actual notice, and at which such person had an opportunity to participate; or ``(ii) in the case of an ex parte order, relative to which notice and opportunity to be heard are provided-- ``(I) within the time required by State, tribal, or territorial law; and ``(II) in any event within a reasonable time after the order is issued, sufficient to protect the due process rights of the person; ``(B) that restrains such person from-- ``(i) harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner of such person or child of such intimate partner or person, or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner in reasonable fear of bodily injury to the partner or child; or ``(ii) intimidating or dissuading a witness from testifying in court; and ``(C) that-- ``(i) includes a finding that such person represents a credible threat to the physical safety of such individual described in subparagraph (B); or ``(ii) by its terms explicitly prohibits the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against such individual described in subparagraph (B) that would reasonably be expected to cause bodily injury;''; (B) in paragraph (9), by striking the comma at the end and inserting ``; or''; and (C) by inserting after paragraph (9) the following: ``(10) who has been convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of stalking,''. TITLE IX--SAFETY FOR INDIAN WOMEN SEC. 901. FINDINGS AND PURPOSES. (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following: (1) American Indians and Alaska Natives are 2.5 times as likely to experience violent crimes--and at least 2 times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault crimes-- compared to all other races. (2) More than 4 in 5 American Indian and Alaska Native women, or 84.3 percent, have experienced violence in their lifetime. (3) The vast majority of Native victims--96% of women and 89% of male victims--report being victimized by a non-Indian. (4) Native victims of sexual violence are three times as likely to have experienced sexual violence by an interracial perpetrator as non-Hispanic White victims and Native stalking victims are nearly 4 times as likely to be stalked by someone of a different race. (5) While tribes exercising jurisdiction over non-Indians have reported significant successes, the inability to prosecute crimes related to the Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction crimes continues to leave Tribes unable to fully hold domestic violence offenders accountable. (6) Tribal prosecutors report that the majority of domestic violence cases involve children either as witnesses or victims, and Department of Justice reports that American Indian and Alaska Native children suffer exposure to violence at rates higher than any other race in the United States. (7) Childhood exposure to violence has immediate and long- term effects, including: increased rates of altered neurological development, poor physical and mental health, poor school performance, substance abuse, and overrepresentation in the juvenile justice system. (8) According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, homicide is the third leading cause of death among American Indian and Alaska Native women between 10 and 24 years of age and the fifth leading cause of death for American Indian and Alaska Native women between 25 and 34 years of age. (9) On some reservations, Indian women are murdered at more than 10 times the national average. (10) According to a 2010 Government Accountability Office report, United States Attorneys declined to prosecute nearly 52 percent of violent crimes that occur in Indian country. (11) Investigation into cases of missing and murdered Indian women is made difficult for tribal law enforcement agencies due to a lack of resources, such as-- (A) necessary training, equipment, or funding; (B) a lack of interagency cooperation; and (C) a lack of appropriate laws in place. (12) Domestic violence calls are among the most dangerous calls that law enforcement receives. (13) The complicated jurisdictional scheme that exists in Indian country-- (A) has a significant negative impact on the ability to provide public safety to Indian communities; (B) has been increasingly exploited by criminals; and (C) requires a high degree of commitment and cooperation among tribal, Federal, and State law enforcement officials. (14) Restoring and enhancing local, tribal capacity to address violence against women provides for greater local control, safety, accountability, and transparency. (15) In States with restrictive land settlement acts such as Alaska, ``Indian country'' is limited, resources for local tribal responses either nonexistent or insufficient to meet the needs, jurisdiction unnecessarily complicated and increases the already high levels of victimization of American Indian and Alaska Native women. According to the Tribal Law and Order Act Commission Report, Alaska Native women are over-represented in the domestic violence victim population by 250 percent; they comprise 19 percent of the State population, but are 47 percent of reported rape victims. And among other Indian Tribes, Alaska Native women suffer the highest rates of domestic and sexual violence in the country. (b) Purposes.--The purposes of this title are-- (1) to clarify the responsibilities of Federal, State, tribal, and local governments with respect to responding to cases of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, trafficking, sexual violence, crimes against children, and assault against tribal law enforcement officers and murdered Indians; (2) to increase coordination and communication among Federal, State, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies; and (3) to empower tribal governments with the resources and information necessary to effectively respond to cases of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sex trafficking, sexual violence, and missing and murdered Indians; and (4) to increase the collection of data related to missing and murdered Indians and the sharing of information among Federal, State, and tribal officials responsible for responding to and investigating cases of missing and murdered Indians. SEC. 902. AUTHORIZING FUNDING FOR THE TRIBAL ACCESS PROGRAM. Section 534 of title 28, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be appropriated $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024, to remain available until expended, for the purposes of enhancing the ability of tribal government entities to access, enter information into, and obtain information from, Federal criminal information databases, as authorized by this section.''. SEC. 903. TRIBAL JURISDICTION OVER CRIMES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE, SEXUAL VIOLENCE, SEX TRAFFICKING, STALKING, AND ASSAULT OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER OR CORRECTIONS OFFICER. Section 204 of Public Law 90-284 (25 U.S.C. 1304) (commonly known as the ``Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968'') is amended-- (1) in the heading, by striking ``crimes of domestic violence'' and inserting ``crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking, and assault of a law enforcement or corrections officer''; (2) in subsection (a)(6), in the heading, by striking ``Special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction'' and inserting ``Special tribal criminal jurisdiction''; (3) by striking ``special domestic violence criminal jurisdiction'' each place such term appears and inserting ``special tribal criminal jurisdiction''; (4) in subsection (a)-- (A) by adding at the end the following: ``(12) Stalking.--The term `stalking' means engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person proscribed by the criminal law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violation occurs that would cause a reasonable person to-- ``(A) fear for the person's safety or the safety of others; or ``(B) suffer substantial emotional distress.''; (B) by redesignating paragraphs (6) and (7) as paragraphs (10) and (11); (C) by inserting before paragraph (10) (as redesignated) the following: ``(8) Sex trafficking.-- ``(A) In general.--The term `sex trafficking' means conduct-- ``(i) consisting of-- ``(I) recruiting, enticing, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, advertising, maintaining, patronizing, or soliciting by any means a person; or ``(II) benefitting, financially or by receiving anything of value, from participation in a venture that has engaged in an act described in subclause (I); and ``(ii) carried out with the knowledge, or, except where the act constituting the violation of clause (i) is advertising, in reckless disregard of the fact, that-- ``(I) means of force, threats of force, fraud, coercion, or any combination of such means will be used to cause the person to engage in a commercial sex act; or ``(II) the person has not attained the age of 18 years and will be caused to engage in a commercial sex act. ``(B) Definitions.--In this paragraph, the terms `coercion' and `commercial sex act' have the meanings given the terms in section 1591(e) of title 18, United States Code. ``(9) Sexual violence.--The term `sexual violence' means any nonconsensual sexual act or [[Page H3025]] contact proscribed by the criminal law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violation occurs, including in any case in which the victim lacks the capacity to consent to the act.''; (D) by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (6) and (7); (E) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as paragraphs (2) through (4); (F) in paragraph (3) (as redesignated), to read as follows: ``(3) Domestic violence.--The term `domestic violence' means violence-- ``(A) committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, or by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic- or family- violence laws of an Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violence occurs; or ``(B) committed against a victim who is a child under the age of 18, or an elder (as such term is defined by tribal law) who resides or has resided in the same household as the defendant.''; (G) by inserting before paragraph (2) (as redesignated), the following: ``(1) Assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer.--The term `assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer' means any criminal violation of the law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violation occurs that involves the threatened, attempted, or actual harmful or offensive touching of a law enforcement or correctional officer.''; (H) by inserting after paragraph (4) (as redesignated), the following: ``(5) Obstruction of justice.--The term `obstruction of justice' means any violation of the criminal law of the Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violation occurs, and the violation involves interfering with the administration or due process of the tribe's laws including any tribal criminal proceeding or investigation of a crime.''; (5) in subsection (b)(1), by inserting after ``the powers of self-government of a participating tribe'' the following: ``, including any participating tribes in the State of Maine,'' (6) in subsection (b)(4)-- (A) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting after ``over an alleged offense'' the following: ``, other than obstruction of justice or an act of assault of a law enforcement or corrections officer,''; and (B) in subparagraph (B)-- (i) in clause (ii), by striking ``or'' at the end; (ii) in clause (iii)(II), by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ``; or''; and (iii) by adding at the end the following: ``(iv) is being prosecuted for a crime of sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstructing justice, or assaulting a police or corrections officer under the laws of the prosecuting tribe.''; (7) in subsection (c)-- (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking ``domestic violence'' and inserting ``tribal''; and (B) in paragraph (1)-- (i) in the paragraph heading, by striking ``and dating violence'' and inserting ``, dating violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, or assault of a law enforcement or corrections officer''; and (ii) by striking ``or dating violence'' and inserting ``, dating violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, or assault of a law enforcement or corrections officer''; (8) in subsection (d), by striking ``domestic violence'' each place it appears and inserting ``tribal''; (9) in subsection (f)-- (A) by striking ``special domestic violence'' each place it appears and inserting ``special tribal''; (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``prosecutes'' and all that follows through the semicolon at the end and inserting the following: ``prosecutes-- ``(A) a crime of domestic violence; ``(B) a crime of dating violence; ``(C) a criminal violation of a protection order; ``(D) a crime of sexual violence; ``(E) a crime of stalking; ``(F) a crime of sex trafficking; ``(G) a crime of obstruction of justice; or ``(H) a crime of assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer;''; (C) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer,'' after ``dating violence,''; and (D) by adding at the end the following: ``(5) to create a pilot project to allow up to five Indian tribes in Alaska to implement special tribal criminal jurisdiction.''; (10) by redesignating subsections (g) and (h) as subsections (h) and (i), respectively; (11) by inserting after subsection (f) the following: ``(g) Indian Country Defined.--For purposes of the pilot project described in subsection (f)(5), the definition of `Indian country' shall include Alaska Native-owned Townsites, Allotments, and former reservation lands acquired in fee by Alaska Native Village Corporations pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 33) and other lands transferred in fee to Native villages.''. (12) in subsection (i) (as redesignated) by striking ``fiscal years 2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2020 through 2024''. SEC. 904. ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Beginning in the first fiscal year after the date of enactment of this title, and annually thereafter, the Attorney General and the Secretary of the Interior shall jointly prepare and submit a report, to the Committee on Indian Affairs and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives, that-- (1) includes known statistics on missing and murdered Indian women in the United States, including statistics relating to incidents of sexual abuse or sexual assault suffered by the victims; and (2) provides recommendations regarding how to improve data collection on missing and murdered Indian women. TITLE X--OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN SEC. 1001. ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. (a) Establishment of Office on Violence Against Women.-- Section 2002 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10442) is amended-- (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``a Violence Against Women Office'' and inserting ``an Office on Violence Against Women''; (2) in subsection (b), by inserting after ``within the Department of Justice'' the following: ``, not subsumed by any other office''; (3) in subsection (c)(2), by striking ``Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (title VI of Public 103-322) and the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (Division B of Public Law 106-386)'' and inserting ``Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (title VI1 of Public 103-322), the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (Division B of Public Law 106-386), the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law 109-162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-4; 127 Stat. 54), and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019''. (b) Director of the Office on Violence Against Women.-- Section 2003 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10443) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 2003. DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. ``(a) Appointment.--The President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint a Director for the Office on Violence Against Women (in this title referred to as the `Director') to be responsible, under the general authority of the Attorney General, for the administration, coordination, and implementation of the programs and activities of the Office. ``(b) Other Employment.--The Director shall not-- ``(1) engage in any employment other than that of serving as Director; or ``(2) hold any office in, or act in any capacity for, any organization, agency, or institution with which the Office makes any contract or other agreement under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (title IV of Public Law 103-322), the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public Law 106-386), the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law 109-162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-4; 127 Stat. 54), or the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. ``(c) Vacancy.--In the case of a vacancy, the President may designate an officer or employee who shall act as Director during the vacancy. ``(d) Compensation.--The Director shall be compensated at a rate of pay not to exceed the rate payable for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of title 5, United States Code.''. (c) Duties and Functions of Director of the Office on Violence Against Women.--Section 2004 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10444) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 2004. DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. ``The Director shall have the following duties: ``(1) Maintaining liaison with the judicial branches of the Federal and State Governments on matters relating to violence against women. ``(2) Providing information to the President, the Congress, the judiciary, State, local, and tribal governments, and the general public on matters relating to violence against women. ``(3) Serving, at the request of the Attorney General, as the representative of the Department of Justice on domestic task forces, committees, or commissions addressing policy or issues relating to violence against women. ``(4) Serving, at the request of the President, acting through the Attorney General, as the representative of the United States Government on human rights and economic justice matters related to violence against women in international fora, including, but not limited to, the United Nations. ``(5) Carrying out the functions of the Department of Justice under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (title IV of Public Law 103-322), the Violence Against Women Act of 2000 (division B of Public Law 106-386), the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (title IX of Public Law 109-162; 119 Stat. 3080), the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Public Law 113-4; 127 Stat. 54), and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, including with respect to those functions-- ``(A) the development of policy, protocols, and guidelines; ``(B) the development and management of grant programs and other programs, and the provision of technical assistance under such programs; and ``(C) the awarding and termination of grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. ``(6) Providing technical assistance, coordination, and support to-- ``(A) other components of the Department of Justice, in efforts to develop policy and to enforce Federal laws relating to violence against [[Page H3026]] women, including the litigation of civil and criminal actions relating to enforcing such laws; ``(B) other Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, in efforts to develop policy, provide technical assistance, synchronize federal definitions and protocols, and improve coordination among agencies carrying out efforts to eliminate violence against women, including Indian or indigenous women; and ``(C) grantees, in efforts to combat violence against women and to provide support and assistance to victims of such violence. ``(7) Exercising such other powers and functions as may be vested in the Director pursuant to this subchapter or by delegation of the Attorney General. ``(8) Establishing such rules, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as are necessary to carry out any function of the Office.''. (d) Staff of Office on Violence Against Women.--Section 2005 of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10445) is amended in the heading, by striking ``violence against women office'' and inserting ``office on violence against women''. (e) Clerical Amendment.--Section 121(a)(1) of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (34 U.S.C. 20124(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``the Violence Against Women Office'' and inserting ``the Office on Violence Against Women''. TITLE XI--IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR WOMEN IN FEDERAL CUSTODY SEC. 1101. IMPROVING THE TREATMENT OF PRIMARY CARETAKER PARENTS AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS IN FEDERAL PRISONS. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Ramona Brant Improvement of Conditions for Women in Federal Custody Act''. (b) In General.--Chapter 303 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Sec. 4051. Treatment of primary caretaker parents and other individuals ``(a) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `correctional officer' means a correctional officer of the Bureau of Prisons; ``(2) the term `covered institution' means a Federal penal or correctional institution; ``(3) the term `Director' means the Director of the Bureau of Prisons; ``(4) the term `post-partum recovery' means the first 8- week period of post-partum recovery after giving birth; ``(5) the term `primary caretaker parent' has the meaning given the term in section 31903 of the Family Unity Demonstration Project Act (34 U.S.C. 12242); ``(6) the term `prisoner' means an individual who is incarcerated in a Federal penal or correctional institution, including a vulnerable person; and ``(7) the term `vulnerable person' means an individual who-- ``(A) is under 21 years of age or over 60 years of age; ``(B) is pregnant; ``(C) identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex; ``(D) is victim or witness of a crime; ``(E) has filed a nonfrivolous civil rights claim in Federal or State court; ``(F) has a serious mental or physical illness or disability; or ``(G) during the period of incarceration, has been determined to have experienced or to be experiencing severe trauma or to be the victim of gender-based violence-- ``(i) by any court or administrative judicial proceeding; ``(ii) by any corrections official; ``(iii) by the individual's attorney or legal service provider; or ``(iv) by the individual. ``(b) Geographic Placement.-- ``(1) Establishment of office.--The Director shall establish within the Bureau of Prisons an office that determines the placement of prisoners. ``(2) Placement of prisoners.--In determining the placement of a prisoner, the office established under paragraph (1) shall-- ``(A) if the prisoner has children, place the prisoner as close to the children as possible; ``(B) in deciding whether to assign a transgender or intersex prisoner to a facility for male or female prisoners, and in making other housing and programming assignments, consider on a case-by-case basis whether a placement would ensure the prisoner's health and safety, including serious consideration of the prisoner's own views with respect to their safety, and whether the placement would present management or security problems; and ``(C) consider any other factor that the office determines to be appropriate. ``(c) Prohibition on Placement of Pregnant Prisoners or Prisoners in Post-partum Recovery in Segregated Housing Units.-- ``(1) Placement in segregated housing units.--A covered institution may not place a prisoner who is pregnant or in post-partum recovery in a segregated housing unit unless the prisoner presents an immediate risk of harm to the prisoner or others. ``(2) Restrictions.--Any placement of a prisoner described in subparagraph (A) in a segregated housing unit shall be limited and temporary. ``(d) Parenting Classes.--The Director shall provide parenting classes to each prisoner who is a primary caretaker parent. ``(e) Trauma Screening.--The Director shall provide training to each correctional officer and each employee of the Bureau of Prisons who regularly interacts with prisoners, including each instructor and health care professional, to enable those correctional officers and employees to-- ``(1) identify a prisoner who has a mental or physical health need relating to trauma the prisoner has experienced; and ``(2) refer a prisoner described in paragraph (1) to the proper healthcare professional for treatment. ``(f) Inmate Health.-- ``(1) Health care access.--The Director shall ensure that all prisoners receive adequate health care. ``(2) Hygienic products.--The Director shall make essential hygienic products, including shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and any other hygienic product that the Director determines appropriate, available without charge to prisoners. ``(3) Gynecologist access.--The Director shall ensure that all prisoners have access to a gynecologist as appropriate. ``(g) Use of Sex-appropriate Correctional Officers.-- ``(1) Regulations.--The Director shall make rules under which-- ``(A) a correctional officer may not conduct a strip search of a prisoner of the opposite sex unless-- ``(i) the prisoner presents a risk of immediate harm to the prisoner or others, and no other correctional officer of the same sex as the prisoner, or medical staff is available to assist; or ``(ii) the prisoner has previously requested that an officer of a different sex conduct searches; ``(B) a correctional officer may not enter a restroom reserved for prisoners of the opposite sex unless-- ``(i) a prisoner in the restroom presents a risk of immediate harm to themselves or others; or ``(ii) there is a medical emergency in the restroom and no other correctional officer of the appropriate sex is available to assist; ``(C) a transgender prisoner's sex is determined according to the sex with which they identify; and ``(D) a correctional officer may not search or physically examine a prisoner for the sole purpose of determining the prisoner's genital status or sex. ``(2) Relation to other laws.--Nothing in paragraph (1) shall be construed to affect the requirements under the Prison Rape Elimination Act of 2003 (42 U.S.C. 15601 et seq.).''. (c) Substance Abuse Treatment.--Section 3621(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(7) Eligibility of primary caretaker parents and pregnant women.--The Director of the Bureau of Prisons may not prohibit an eligible prisoner who is a primary caretaker parent (as defined in section 4051) or pregnant from participating in a program of residential substance abuse treatment provided under paragraph (1) on the basis of a failure by the eligible prisoner, before being committed to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons, to disclose to any official of the Bureau of Prisons that the prisoner had a substance abuse problem on or before the date on which the eligible prisoner was committed to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons.''. (d) Implementation Date.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall implement this section and the amendments made by this section. (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Bureau of Prisons shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation of this section and the amendments made by this section. (e) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 303 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: ``4051. Treatment of primary caretaker parents and other individuals.''. SEC. 1102. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OF WOMEN. (a) Short Title.--This section may be cited as the ``Stop Infant Mortality And Recidivism Reduction Act'' or the ``SIMARRA Act''. (b) Establishment.--Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (in this section referred to as the ``Director'') shall establish a pilot program (in this section referred to as the ``Program'') in accordance with this section to permit women incarcerated in Federal prisons and the children born to such women during incarceration to reside together while the inmate serves a term of imprisonment in a separate housing wing of the prison. (c) Purposes.--The purposes of this section are to-- (1) prevent infant mortality among infants born to incarcerated mothers and greatly reduce the trauma and stress experienced by the unborn fetuses of pregnant inmates; (2) reduce the recidivism rates of federally incarcerated women and mothers, and enhance public safety by improving the effectiveness of the Federal prison system for women as a population with special needs; (3) establish female offender risk and needs assessment as the cornerstones of a more effective and efficient Federal prison system; (4) implement a validated post-sentencing risk and needs assessment system that relies on dynamic risk factors to provide Federal prison officials with a roadmap to address the pre- and post-natal needs of Federal pregnant offenders, manage limited resources, and enhance public safety; (5) perform regular outcome evaluations of the effectiveness of programs and interventions for federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers to assure that such programs and interventions are evidence-based and to suggest changes, deletions, and expansions based on the results of such evaluations; and [[Page H3027]] (6) assist the Department of Justice to address the underlying cost structure of the Federal prison system and ensure that the Department can continue to run prison nurseries safely and securely without compromising the scope or quality of the Department's critical health, safety and law enforcement missions. (d) Duties of the Director of Bureau of Prisons.-- (1) In general.--The Director shall carry out this section in consultation with-- (A) a licensed and board-certified gynecologist or obstetrician; (B) the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts; (C) the Director of the Office of Probation and Pretrial Services; (D) the Director of the National Institute of Justice; and (E) the Secretary of Health and Human Services. (2) Duties.--The Director shall, in accordance with paragraph (3)-- (A) develop an offender risk and needs assessment system particular to the health and sensitivities of Federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers in accordance with this subsection; (B) develop recommendations regarding recidivism reduction programs and productive activities in accordance with subsection (c); (C) conduct ongoing research and data analysis on-- (i) the best practices relating to the use of offender risk and needs assessment tools particular to the health and sensitivities of federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers; (ii) the best available risk and needs assessment tools particular to the health and sensitivities of Federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers and the level to which they rely on dynamic risk factors that could be addressed and changed over time, and on measures of risk of recidivism, individual needs, and responsiveness to recidivism reduction programs; (iii) the most effective and efficient uses of such tools in conjunction with recidivism reduction programs, productive activities, incentives, and rewards; and (iv) which recidivism reduction programs are the most effective-- (I) for Federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers classified at different recidivism risk levels; and (II) for addressing the specific needs of Federally incarcerated pregnant women and mothers; (D) on a biennial basis, review the system developed under subparagraph (A) and the recommendations developed under subparagraph (B), using the research conducted under subparagraph (C), to determine whether any revisions or updates should be made, and if so, make such revisions or updates; (E) hold periodic meetings with the individuals listed in paragraph (1) at intervals to be determined by the Director; and (F) report to Congress in accordance with subsection (i). (3) Methods.--In carrying out the duties under paragraph (2), the Director shall-- (A) consult relevant stakeholders; and (B) make decisions using data that is based on the best available statistical and empirical evidence. (e) Eligibility.--An inmate may apply to participate in the Program if the inmate-- (1) is pregnant at the beginning of or during the term of imprisonment; and (2) is in the custody or control of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. (f) Program Terms.-- (1) Term of participation.--To correspond with the purposes and goals of the Program to promote bonding during the critical stages of child development, an eligible inmate selected for the Program may participate in the Program, subject to subsection (g), until the earliest of-- (A) the date that the inmate's term of imprisonment terminates; (B) the date the infant fails to meet any medical criteria established by the Director or the Director's designee along with a collective determination of the persons listed in subsection (d)(1); or (C) 30 months. (2) Inmate requirements.--For the duration of an inmate's participation in the Program, the inmate shall agree to-- (A) take substantive steps towards acting in the role of a parent or guardian to any child of that inmate; (B) participate in any educational or counseling opportunities established by the Director, including topics such as child development, parenting skills, domestic violence, vocational training, or substance abuse, as appropriate; (C) abide by any court decision regarding the legal or physical custody of the child; (D) transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons any child support payments for the infant of the participating inmate from any person or governmental entity; and (E) specify a person who has agreed to take at least temporary custody of the child if the inmate's participation in the Program terminates before the inmate's release. (g) Continuity of Care.--The Director shall take appropriate actions to prevent detachment or disruption of either an inmate's or infant's health and bonding-based well- being due to termination of the Program. (h) Reporting.-- (1) In general.--Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this section and once each year thereafter for 5 years, the Director shall submit a report to the Congress with regards to progress in implementing the Program. (2) Final report.--Not later than 6 months after the termination of the Program, the Director shall issue a final report to the Congress that contains a detailed statement of the Director's findings and conclusions, including recommendations for legislation, administrative actions, and regulations the Director considers appropriate. (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--To carry out this section, there is authorized to be appropriated $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. TITLE XII--LAW ENFORCEMENT TOOLS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY SEC. 1201. NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF PROHIBITED PURCHASE OR ATTEMPTED PURCHASE OF A FIREARM. (a) In General.--Title I of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``SEC. 108. NOTIFICATION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES OF PROHIBITED PURCHASE OF A FIREARM. ``(a) In General.--In the case of a background check conducted by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System pursuant to the request of a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, or licensed dealer of firearms (as such terms are defined in section 921 of title 18, United States Code), which background check determines that the receipt of a firearm by a person would violate subsection (g)(8), (g)(9), or (g)(10) of section 922 of title 18, United States Code, and such determination is made after 3 business days have elapsed since the licensee contacted the System and a firearm has been transferred to that person, the System shall notify the law enforcement agencies described in subsection (b). ``(b) Law Enforcement Agencies Described.--The law enforcement agencies described in this subsection are the law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the location from which the licensee contacted the system and the law enforcement agencies that have jurisdiction over the location of the residence of the person for which the background check was conducted, as follows: ``(1) The field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. ``(2) The local law enforcement agency. ``(3) The State law enforcement agency. ``(4) The Tribal law enforcement agency.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents of the NICS Improvement Amendments Act of 2007 (18 10 U.S.C. 922 note) is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 107 the following: ``Sec. 108. Notification to law enforcement agencies of prohibited purchase of a firearm.''. SEC. 1202. REPORTING OF BACKGROUND CHECK DENIALS TO STATE, LOCAL, AND TRIBAL AUTHORITIES. (a) In General.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 925A the following: ``Sec. 925B. Reporting of background check denials to State, local, and tribal authorities ``(a) In General.--If the national instant criminal background check system established under section 103 of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act (18 U.S.C. 922 note) provides a notice pursuant to section 922(t) of this title that the receipt of a firearm by a person would violate subsection (g)(8), (g)(9), or (g)(10) of section 922 of this title or State law, the Attorney General shall, in accordance with subsection (b) of this section-- ``(1) report to the law enforcement authorities of the State where the person sought to acquire the firearm and, if different, the law enforcement authorities of the State of residence of the person-- ``(A) that the notice was provided; ``(B) of the specific provision of law that would have been violated; ``(C) of the date and time the notice was provided; ``(D) of the location where the firearm was sought to be acquired; and ``(E) of the identity of the person; and ``(2) report the incident to local or tribal law enforcement authorities and, where practicable, State, tribal, or local prosecutors, in the jurisdiction where the firearm was sought and in the jurisdiction where the person resides. ``(b) Requirements for Report.--A report is made in accordance with this subsection if the report is made within 24 hours after the provision of the notice described in subsection (a), except that the making of the report may be delayed for so long as is necessary to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation. ``(c) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall be construed to require a report with respect to a person to be made to the same State authorities that originally issued the notice with respect to the person.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 925A the following: ``925B. Reporting of background check denials to State, local, and tribal authorities.''. SEC. 1203. SPECIAL ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEYS AND CROSS- DEPUTIZED ATTORNEYS. (a) In General.--Chapter 44 of title 18, United States Code, as amended by this Act, is further amended by inserting after section 925B the following: ``Sec. 925C. Special assistant U.S. attorneys and cross- deputized attorneys ``(a) In General.--In order to improve the enforcement of paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) of section 922(g), the Attorney General may-- ``(1) appoint, in accordance with section 543 of title 28, qualified State, tribal, territorial and local prosecutors and qualified attorneys working for the United States government to serve as special assistant United States attorneys for the [[Page H3028]] purpose of prosecuting violations of such paragraphs; ``(2) deputize State, tribal, territorial and local law enforcement officers for the purpose of enhancing the capacity of the agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in responding to and investigating violations of such paragraphs; and ``(3) establish, in order to receive and expedite requests for assistance from State, tribal, territorial and local law enforcement agencies responding to intimate partner violence cases where such agencies have probable cause to believe that the offenders may be in violation of such paragraphs, points of contact within-- ``(A) each Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and ``(B) each District Office of the United States Attorneys. ``(b) Improve Intimate Partner and Public Safety.--The Attorney General shall-- ``(1) identify no less than 75 jurisdictions among States, territories and tribes where there are high rates of firearms violence and threats of firearms violence against intimate partners and other persons protected under paragraphs (8), (9), and (10) of section 922(g) and where local authorities lack the resources to address such violence; and ``(2) make such appointments as described in subsection (a) in jurisdictions where enhanced enforcement of such paragraphs is necessary to reduce firearms homicide and injury rates. ``(c) Qualified Defined.--For purposes of this section, the term `qualified' means, with respect to an attorney, that the attorney is a licensed attorney in good standing with any relevant licensing authority.''. (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 925B the following: ``925C. Special assistant U.S. attorneys and cross-deputized attorneys.''. TITLE XIII--CLOSING THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSENT LOOPHOLE SEC. 1301. SHORT TITLE. This title may be cited as the ``Closing the Law Enforcement Consent Loophole Act of 2019''. SEC. 1302. PROHIBITION ON ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACTS WHILE ACTING UNDER COLOR OF LAW. (a) In General.--Section 2243 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in the section heading, by adding at the end the following: ``or by any person acting under color of law''; (2) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; (3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: ``(c) Of an Individual by Any Person Acting Under Color of Law.-- ``(1) In general.--Whoever, acting under color of law, knowingly engages in a sexual act with an individual, including an individual who is under arrest, in detention, or otherwise in the actual custody of any Federal law enforcement officer, shall be fined under this title, imprisoned not more than 15 years, or both. ``(2) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `sexual act' has the meaning given the term in section 2246.''; and (4) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following: ``(3) In a prosecution under subsection (c), it is not a defense that the other individual consented to the sexual act.''. (b) Definition.--Section 2246 of title 18, United States Code, is amended-- (1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end; (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and (3) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: ``(7) the term `Federal law enforcement officer' has the meaning given the term in section 115.''. (c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of sections for chapter 109A of title 18, United States Code, is amended by amending the item related to section 2243 to read as follows: ``2243. Sexual abuse of a minor or ward or by any person acting under color of law.''. SEC. 1303. INCENTIVES FOR STATES. (a) Authority to Make Grants.--The Attorney General is authorized to make grants to States that have in effect a law that-- (1) makes it a criminal offense for any person acting under color of law of the State to engage in a sexual act with an individual, including an individual who is under arrest, in detention, or otherwise in the actual custody of any law enforcement officer; and (2) prohibits a person charged with an offense described in paragraph (1) from asserting the consent of the other individual as a defense. (b) Reporting Requirement.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall submit to the Attorney General, on an annual basis, information on-- (1) the number of reports made to law enforcement agencies in that State regarding persons engaging in a sexual act while acting under color of law during the previous year; and (2) the disposition of each case in which sexual misconduct by a person acting under color of law was reported during the previous year. (c) Application.--A State seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Attorney General at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require, including information about the law described in subsection (a). (d) Grant Amount.--The amount of a grant to a State under this section shall be in an amount that is not greater than 10 percent of the average of the total amount of funding of the 3 most recent awards that the State received under the following grant programs: (1) Part T of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. 10441 et seq.) (commonly referred to as the ``STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program''). (2) Section 41601 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12511) (commonly referred to as the ``Sexual Assault Services Program''). (e) Grant Term.-- (1) In general.--The Attorney General shall provide an increase in the amount provided to a State under the grant programs described in subsection (d) for a 2-year period. (2) Renewal.--A State that receives a grant under this section may submit an application for a renewal of such grant at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (3) Limit.--A State may not receive a grant under this section for more than 4 years. (f) Uses of Funds.--A State that receives a grant under this section shall use-- (1) 25 percent of such funds for any of the permissible uses of funds under the grant program described in paragraph (1) of subsection (d); and (2) 75 percent of such funds for any of the permissible uses of funds under the grant program described in paragraph (2) of subsection (d). (g) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this chapter $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (h) Definition.--For purposes of this section, the term ``State'' means each of the several States and the District of Columbia, Indian Tribes, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands. SEC. 1304. REPORTS TO CONGRESS. (a) Report by Attorney General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Attorney General shall submit to Congress a report containing-- (1) the information required to be reported to the Attorney General under section 3(b); and (2) information on-- (A) the number of reports made, during the previous year, to Federal law enforcement agencies regarding persons engaging in a sexual act while acting under color of law; and (B) the disposition of each case in which sexual misconduct by a person acting under color of law was reported. (b) Report by GAO.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on any violations of section 2243(c) of title 18, United States Code, as amended by section 2, committed during the 1-year period covered by the report. SEC. 1305. DEFINITION. In this title, the term ``sexual act'' has the meaning given the term in section 2246 of title 18, United States Code. TITLE XIV--OTHER MATTERS SEC. 1401. NATIONAL STALKER AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE REDUCTION. Section 40603 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12402) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 1402. FEDERAL VICTIM ASSISTANTS REAUTHORIZATION. Section 40114 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-322) is amended to read as follows: ``SEC. 40114. AUTHORIZATION FOR FEDERAL VICTIM'S COUNSELORS. ``There are authorized to be appropriated for the United States Attorneys for the purpose of appointing victim/witness counselors for the prosecution of sex crimes and domestic violence crimes where applicable (such as the District of Columbia), $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.''. SEC. 1403. CHILD ABUSE TRAINING PROGRAMS FOR JUDICIAL PERSONNEL AND PRACTITIONERS REAUTHORIZATION. Section 224(a) of the Crime Control Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. 20334(a)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 1404. SEX OFFENDER MANAGEMENT. Section 40152(c) of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12311(c)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 1405. COURT-APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATE PROGRAM. Section 219(a) of the Crime Control Act of 1990 (34 U.S.C. 20324(a)) is amended by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 1406. RAPE KIT BACKLOG. Section 2(j) of the DNA Analysis Backlog Elimination Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 40701) is amended by striking ``2015 through 2019'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. SEC. 1407. SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAM PROGRAM GRANTS. Section 304(d) of the DNA Sexual Assault Justice Act of 2004 (34 U.S.C. 40723(d)) is amended by striking ``2015 through 2019'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. The Acting CHAIR. No amendment to that amendment in the nature of a substitute is in order except those printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Each such amendment may be offered only in the order printed in the report, by a Member designated in the [[Page H3029]] report, shall be considered read, shall be debatable for the time specified in the report, equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question. Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Jeffries The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 1 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 114, after line 13, insert the following: (4) Common languages.--The Secretary of Labor shall ensure that the information disseminated to survivors under paragraph (2) is made available in commonly encountered languages. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York. Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1585, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. This amendment modestly modifies the bill to ensure that the materials distributed to victims and survivors are available in commonly encountered languages. There are approximately 26 million Americans whose primary language is not English. One in five American families speak another language at home. In my home State of New York, that number is one in three. Languages spoken throughout the country include Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and French, just to name a few. H.R. 1585 provides that the Secretary of Labor may disseminate information on the resources and rights available to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. It is important that all survivors and all victims, regardless of the language they primarily speak or read, have access to such critical information. This amendment will not adversely impact Federal spending. In fact, several agencies, including the Department of Labor, have similar obligations to provide materials and notices in commonly encountered languages, and guidance and resources are available on how to do so consistent with existing provisions in other areas of law. Let me also briefly express my support for this important and significant legislation. Since the Violence Against Women Act was first enacted 30 years ago, it has helped to address the crisis of domestic and sexual violence through vital grant programs and improved law enforcement response to sexual crimes. It has also elevated an important national conversation about this issue, drawing attention to its prevalence, reducing stigma, and encouraging survivors to get support. I want to thank the distinguished chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler, for his tremendous leadership, as well as my friend, Congresswoman Karen Bass, for her leadership in ushering forward H.R. 1585. I am proud today that we are doing our part in the United States House of Representatives to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act and urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I appreciate my friend from New York. I have no problem with his amendment. It is already a current, existing order, introduced by President Clinton, and it is also under DOJ guidance. This is currently happening, and I think his wanting to continue this, to put it in this bill, I would have no problem with. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins), my colleague, the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, for his support. This is a nation of immigrants. We are a gorgeous mosaic of people from all across the world. Out of many, we are one. That is what makes America such a phenomenal country. We just want to make sure that, with respect to this issue of sexual and domestic violence, every American who is a victim has an opportunity to get access to the resources that will be put into law. I thank my colleagues for their support, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York will be postponed. Amendment No. 2 Offered by Ms. Scanlon The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 2 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 25, line 15, insert ``(a) In General--'' before ``Section 1201''. Page 26, after line 12, insert the following: (b) GAO Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to Congress a report on the return on investment for legal assistance grants awarded pursuant to section 1201 of division B of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (34 U.S.C. 20121), including an accounting of the amount saved, if any, on housing, medical, or employment social welfare programs. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania. Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to study the return on investment of legal services for survivors of domestic violence. As a former legal services board member and director of a pro bono program, I know the importance of legal representation for the most vulnerable members of our community. Access to justice is especially critical when it comes to survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Too often, survivors are left to navigate the overwhelming fallout of abuse alone, whether that means seeking custody, housing, medical care, employment protections, or other legal assistance. In the aftermath of abuse, legal remedies are often complicated and hard to manage, and legal representation in these critical moments can make a life-changing difference. Sometimes that means a lawyer who can remove the abuser from the home so the survivor doesn't lose their housing; other times, it is an attorney helping a survivor access the medical resources to heal from physical and mental injuries. Access to justice remains a crucial issue in our legal system, and one of the key contributions of VAWA is that it recognizes the importance of legal services for the survivors of abuse. So not only does VAWA provide critical medical and housing services, but it provides legal representation that often saves public dollars. As with many social services, upfront investment in legal services can result in long-term benefits and savings. That is why my amendment would ask the GAO to conduct a study about the economic benefits of investments in legal services provided under the jurisdiction of VAWA. It is important that we have a full grasp of the importance of these investments so that my colleagues and I can continue pushing for robust investment in these critical legal resources. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the underlying bill. [[Page H3030]] Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to it. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance my time. Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, and I thank my colleagues for their support. Mr. Chair, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler). Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. Mr. Chair, I support this amendment, which would require the preparation of a GAO report on the return on investment for legal assistance grants for victims. Studies show that the efficiency of the legal system improves whenever victims receive assistance by legal professionals. This amendment would provide a vehicle to help us assess the effectiveness and ramifications of providing legal assistance for victims, particularly in the areas of housing, medical needs, and employment social welfare programs. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Ms. SCANLON. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania will be postponed. {time} 1530 Amendment No. 3 Offered by Ms. Escobar The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 3 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 156, insert after line 20 (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1103. RESEARCH AND REPORT ON WOMEN IN FEDERAL INCARCERATION. Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, and thereafter, every other year, the National Institutes of Justice, in consultation with the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Bureau of Prisons (including the Women and Special Population Branch) shall prepare a report on the status of women in federal incarceration. Depending on the topic to be addressed, and the facility, data shall be collected from Bureau of Prisons personnel and a sample that is representative of the population of incarcerated women. The report shall include: (1) With regard to federal facilities wherein women are incarcerated-- (A) responses by such women to questions from the Adverse Childhood Experience (ACES) questionnaire; (B) demographic data of such women, including sexual orientation and gender identity; (C) responses by such women to questions about the extent of exposure to sexual victimization, sexual violence and domestic violence (both inside and outside of incarceration); (D) the number of such women were pregnant at the time that they entered incarceration; (E) the number of such women who have children age 18 or under, and if so, how many; and (F) the crimes for which such women are incarcerated and the length of their sentence. (2) With regard to all federal facilities where persons are incarcerated-- (A) a list of best practices with respect to women's incarceration and transition, including staff led programs, services and management practices (including making sanitary products readily available and easily accessible, and access to and provision of healthcare); (B) the availability of trauma treatment at each facility (including number of beds, and number of trained staff); (C) rates of serious mental illness broken down by gender and security level and a list of residential programs available by site; and (D) the availability of vocational education and a list of vocational programs provided by each facility. SEC. 1104. REENTRY PLANNING AND SERVICES FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN. The Attorney General, in coordination with the Chief of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services and the Director of the Bureau of Prisons (including Women and Special Population Branch), shall collaborate on a model of gender responsive transition for incarcerated women, including the development of a national standard on prevention with respect to domestic and sexual violence. In developing the model, the Chief and the Director shall consult with such experts within the federal government (including the Office on Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice) and in the victim service provider community (including sexual and domestic violence and homelessness, job training and job placement service providers) as are necessary to the completion of a comprehensive plan. Issues addressed should include-- (1) the development by the Bureau of Prisons of a contract for gender collaborative services; and (2) identification by re-entry affairs coordinators and responsive planning for the needs of re-entering women with respect to-- (A) housing, including risk of homelessness; (B) previous exposure to and risk for domestic and sexual violence; and (C) the need for parenting classes, assistance securing childcare, or assistance in seeking or securing jobs that afford flexibility (as might be necessary in the re-entry, parenting or other contexts). The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas. Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I thank Representatives Bass and Fitzpatrick and Chairman Nadler for their work on this bill, which will provide critical support to women. My amendment has two components to help ensure our work reaches women in every corner of society. The first requires an annual report on the status of women in Federal incarceration. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, women account for approximately 7 percent of the Federal inmate population. As of March 28, the U.S. had 180,181 Federal inmates. This means that the number of female prisoners in America is about 12,613. Women in prison face unique challenges. For example, they are more likely to have their children taken away from them while they are incarcerated, more likely to have trouble accessing basic hygiene products, and more likely to suffer from mental health problems. A report done by the Center for American Progress found that 75 percent of incarcerated women suffer from substance abuse problems, while 68 percent experienced physical or sexual abuse at some point in their lives. This commonsense amendment would compile more comprehensive, badly needed data to help us better understand the needs of incarcerated women and help us deliver the services they need. The report on women would include data points such as sexual orientation and gender identity, exposure to sexual and domestic violence, whether the woman was pregnant at the time of her incarceration, and length of sentence. The report would also collect data on all Federal facilities where women are incarcerated to determine best practices and the availability of trauma treatment. This information can then be used by Congress to develop policies that would better serve women and their families. The second component of my amendment directs the Attorney General, in coordination with the Chief of U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services and the Director of the Bureau of Prisons, to collaborate on reentry planning and services for incarcerated women, including the development of a national standard on domestic and sexual violence prevention. Reentry and planning services are vital because reentering society is a difficult process for many and represents a critical point of transition that may help solidify rehabilitation or may, if poorly managed, pose new risk to success. This is especially the case for women because of the unique circumstances I mentioned previously. Many are caretakers for their children, victims of abuse, and have addiction issues. For example, finding a place to live is especially difficult. Formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly 10 times [[Page H3031]] more likely to become homeless. Data from the Prison Policy Initiative show that formerly incarcerated women face homelessness at much higher rates than men. For women of color, the rate of homelessness only increases. Further, many shelters are reluctant to accept women with children. When developing reentry plans and services, the Department of Justice officials are required to address gender-collaborative services; housing; previous exposure to and risk for domestic and sexual violence; and the need for parenting classes, securing childcare assistance, and assistance securing jobs that afford flexibility. Finally, the establishment of a national standard on domestic and sexual violence prevention will ensure that the government sets the bar for protecting vulnerable women from abuse. Affirmatively including incarcerated women in the reauthorization of VAWA will enable the government to treat these women with dignity and respect and ensure we are doing all we can to prevent future victims of violence. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed. The Acting CHAIR (Mrs. Lawrence). Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, again, I am not opposed to the amendment. I appreciate some of the comments by the gentlewoman from Texas. Several of these were actually in the FIRST STEP Act, which we passed last year, on criminal justice reform. I am glad to see that they are still being discussed. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. ESCOBAR. Madam Chair, I thank the distinguished gentleman from Georgia, and I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler). Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I support this amendment, which would direct the preparation of a report on the status of women in Federal incarceration. The amendment would also direct the Attorney General to work on a model of gender- responsive transition for incarcerated women, including the development of a national standard on prevention with respect to domestic and sexual violence. According to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, very little current data exists on the status of incarcerated women in Federal custody. This amendment will allow us to better respond to the needs of incarcerated women, and it will provide us with vitally important data, for oversight purposes. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Ms. ESCOBAR. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Escobar). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 4 Offered by Ms. Dean The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 4 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. DEAN. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 16, after line 2, insert the following: SEC. 4. AGENCY AND DEPARTMENT COORDINATION. The heads of Executive Departments responsible for carrying out this Act are authorized to coordinate and collaborate on the prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including sharing best practices and efficient use of resources and technology for victims and those seeking assistance from the Government. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania. Ms. DEAN. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise to offer this amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. My amendment allows for cross-agency coordination to collaborate on the prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and for the agencies to share best practices for victims. This will allow for greater efficiency and transparency, and most importantly, it will allow for the sharing of best practices and information that could help survivors of domestic violence. With every reauthorization of VAWA since 1994, we have enhanced its protections, preserved its accomplishments, and removed its shortcomings, including adding protections for the elderly and the disabled, expanding sexual assault and stalking provisions, and fighting housing discrimination. These reauthorizations of VAWA have allowed us to come together to work collaboratively to combat domestic violence. Similarly, my amendment asks the agencies to work cohesively together and coordinate to accomplish a common goal: to protect survivors and their families, and to end violence against women. As we know, domestic violence plagues all communities across this country and all the districts that we represent. In my home State of Pennsylvania, the problem is no different. In the last 10 years, more than 1,600 people have died as a result of domestic violence, including people of all demographics. Domestic violence has affected the lives of thousands of Pennsylvanians. Sadly, just in 2017, two of my constituents in Montgomery County lost their lives to domestic violence. That is why it is so imperative that we reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, because we know, since its inception, the rate of violence has decreased by a remarkable 63 percent. We have the opportunity to come together once again and pass this bipartisan VAWA reauthorization with new and better provisions, including expanding protections for young victims, survivors without shelters, and LGBTQ people; preventing intimate partner homicides by prohibiting those convicted of dating violence from possessing firearms; and protecting the Office on Violence Against Women to ensure survivors of domestic violence have access to the much-needed resources they deserve. I am pleased to be an original cosponsor of the Violence Against Women Act, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stand up against domestic violence, support this amendment, and vote to reauthorize this vital piece of legislation. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. DEAN. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild). Ms. WILD. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania for yielding. I rise in support of this amendment, which is being sponsored by my colleague and friend from Pennsylvania. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act, VAWA, responds to our Nation's crisis of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. VAWA expired in September of last year, and it is long past time for Congress to reauthorize this legislation. Representative Dean's amendment will increase interagency cooperation efforts to prevent violence and provide critical services to survivors. No one solution can stop every act of violence, but this amendment recognizes that more coordination among agencies over best practices, resources, and technology will lead to better results for those in need of urgent assistance. As survivors transition out of crisis, they need access to housing, healthcare, and other vital resources to rebuild their lives. In my home district, organizations like Turning Point of Lehigh Valley assist survivors of abuse and their families. This amendment and VAWA overall will enable [[Page H3032]] shelters like Turning Point to better serve people in need. Madam Chair, I am proud to stand with survivors. Ms. DEAN. Madam Chair, I thank the author of this important bill, Representative Bass, and I thank the tireless advocates who have worked to bring us to this important day. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to please support this bill. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 5 Offered by Mrs. Torres of California The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 5 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 33, line 17, strike ``and'' at the end. Page 34, line 3, strike the period at the end and insert the following: ``; and''. Page 34, after line 3, insert the following: (4) by adding at the end the following: ``(e) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shall submit to Congress, the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Appropriations and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate a report on the activities funded by grants awarded under this section and best practices relating to rape prevention and education.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Madam Chair, rape is a crisis in this country. In the United States, one in five women will be raped in their lifetime--one in five. Men can be rape victims, too. As a matter of fact, 1 in 71 men will be raped. The LGBTQ community suffers from even higher rates of sexual violence and rape. Forty-six percent of bisexual women have been raped, and 47 percent of transgender individuals have been assaulted at some point in their lives. These statistics are more severe for people of color in the LGBTQ community. What is worse is that many LGBTQ victims are denied services simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Whether we know it or not, everyone in this room knows a rape survivor. Maybe she or he is the barista who makes your morning coffee. {time} 1545 Maybe she or he is a security officer who smiles at you on your way to work. Maybe he or she is your coworker, your sibling, your partner, or your child. Many people don't realize that they know a rape survivor. Too often, rape isn't reported because victims fear the consequences. Often survivors fear that no one will believe them or that they will be blamed or stigmatized. In the #MeToo era, the pervasiveness of sexual assault has come to the forefront. However, the public is still grappling with our understanding of rape, the myth versus reality. Many people still think that rape is only an act committed by a stranger in a dark alley. Instances like this do happen. In 2016, Brock Turner raped an unconscious young woman behind a dumpster. His punishment? Three months in jail. This sentencing alone reflects the failure to understand rape and a tendency to blame the victim. Our comprehension of rape has changed dramatically in the past decade. Instances of rape being perpetrated by strangers do happen, but eight out of ten rape survivors knew their rapist. The majority of female survivors were raped by an intimate partner. While there is plenty of data on VAWA grants administered by the Office of Violence Against Women, an analysis by the Congressional Research Service found that there is insufficient information on RPE formula grants run by the CDC. To prevent rape and create innovative trauma-informed policies and programs, we need to improve our understanding of which initiatives are effective. My amendment will bridge this information gap and help better inform our rape prevention efforts. My amendment requires the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide a report to Congress on the activity of grant awardees funded through the Rape Prevention and Education Grant Program as well as on emerging and best practices relating to rape prevention and education. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Chair, I would like to thank the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Bass), the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), and Chairman Nadler for introducing H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, and I urge its swift passage. Lastly, Madam Chair, I would ask that this amendment be made in order, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Torres). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 6 Offered by Mr. Burgess The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 6 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Chairman, I call up amendment No. 6 to H.R. 1585. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 170, line 18, strike ``Section 2(j)'' and insert ``Section 2''. Page 170, line 19, strike ``by'' and insert ``--''. Page 170, strike lines 20 through 21, and insert the following: (1) in subsection (f)-- (A) in paragraph (1) by striking ``and'' at the end; (B) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: ``(2) information on best practices for state and local governments to reduce the backlog of DNA evidence''; and (2) in subsection (j), by striking ``2015 through 2019'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Texas. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Chairman, the Violence Against Women Act reauthorizes the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program through 2024. This amendment simply requires State and local governments that are recipients of the grant program to include information in their reports to the Attorney General on best practices for reducing the backlog of DNA evidence. This grant program was originally authorized under the Justice for All Act of 2004 to provide grants to State and local governments for the collection and analysis of forensic samples and to ensure the timely processing of DNA evidence by law enforcement. Congress reauthorized the program several times, most recently providing $151 million for fiscal year 2019. Despite these efforts, the backlog of untested DNA evidence is still high. According to reporting from The Texas Tribune, a paper back in the State of Texas, it costs between $500 and $2,000 to test a kit, and there are approximately 3,500 untested kits in Texas [[Page H3033]] alone. We must continue working to reduce this backlog so that we can bring justice to the victims of assault. State and local grant recipients are required to submit a report to the Attorney General which is then summarized for Congress. My amendment adds best practices for reducing the backlog to the report required by grant recipients in order to better understand the needs of entities directly involved in collecting and processing DNA evidence. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from New York is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I support this amendment to improve the reporting requirements for States and localities that receive funding under the Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program. As we all know, because of the increased awareness of the potential for DNA evidence to help solve criminal cases, the demand for DNA testing continues to grow nationwide. Crime laboratories now process more DNA than ever before. In recognition of this, H.R. 1585 reauthorizes the Debbie Smith Act, which I helped to originate. This amendment directs States and localities to report information to the Attorney General on best practices for reducing the backlog of DNA evidence. The emphasis on best practices is a good one, as it will help ensure that the backlog is cleared in as expeditious and efficient a manner as possible. Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his support, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 7 Offered by Ms. Waters The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 7 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 39, after line 6, insert the following: ``(12) To train campus personnel in how to use a victim- centered, trauma-informed interview technique, which means asking questions of a student or a campus employee who is reported to be a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking, in a manner that is focused on the experience of the reported victim, that does not judge or blame the reported victim for the alleged crime, and that is informed by evidence-based research on the neurobiology of trauma. To the extent practicable, campus personnel shall allow the reported victim to participate in a recorded interview and to receive a copy of the recorded interview.''; The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise in support of H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. This legislation is the result of the tireless work of advocates, Chairman Nadler, of the bill's original sponsor, my colleague from California, Congresswoman Karen Bass, and most especially, the women who survived domestic violence and sexual assault and bravely shared their stories. Without their courage, this legislation would not be on the floor today. I also appreciate the title in this bill which helps victims of domestic violence access safe housing. Women who are in dangerous situations at home need to be able to quickly transfer to alternative housing, and that is precisely what Title 6 of this bill aims to do. I understand that there are some stakeholders who have raised some questions about how the implementation of this title would work, and I will continue to work with them as this bill moves through the Senate. Though the Violence Against Women Act has led to widespread change in how our Nation understands and responds to domestic violence, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, much work remains to be done. Twenty-five years after the original Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, women who came forward are still too often disregarded, disgraced, and humiliated, all because those in power know that if the stories of the trauma and abuse suffered by women are true, then everything--including their power--would need to change. My amendment is another step toward ensuring that women who speak out and refuse to be silenced are supported and heard. Section 303 of H.R. 1585 includes the grant program that provides funds to higher education institutions to combat violent crimes on campuses, including especially, domestic and sexual violence. My amendment would create a new purpose area for section 303 grants, which allows funding to be used by higher education institutions to train employees on how to conduct victim-centered, trauma-informed interviews with the students who report being a victim of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. The employee would be trained to communicate in a manner which does not blame or judge the survivor for the crimes he or she reports. My amendment stipulates that if a student requests to have a record of their conversations with college employees and administrators, then schools which accept funding for this purpose area must offer a recorded interview. Given the lengthy record of colleges suppressing reports of sexual or domestic violence on campus, recorded interviews can be incredibly important to survivors. Only one in five female college students report their sexual assault, and many cite a fear of retaliation and not being believed as the primary reasons they stayed silent. Students who come forward and report an assault or other crime should never be made to feel that they are at fault, that they will be punished, or that they should feel shame. College administrators should never use their ignorance as to how trauma affects young women--which can often make it difficult for a victim to recall exactly what happened and when--as a reason to discredit those who report. My amendment will help ensure that never happens by facilitating the training necessary for colleges to better support students as they navigate what is likely to be one of the most traumatic moments in their lives. So, Madam Chair, I urge all of my colleagues to support training to promote more effective conversations between students and college employees and vote in the affirmative for my amendment. Madam Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chairman, I do claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I understand the gentlewoman's concern here, and I appreciate that concern. A bigger concern I have here is concerning the trend of handling responsibilities on campus and giving those--in a criminal matter and putting them into campus personnel rather than law enforcement. My concern is that these are crimes and they need to be treated as crimes. We need to do everything we possibly can to treat those victims and give them as much support and help as we possibly can, but I don't want to give in to the implication that this should be treated as anything other than a crime, and law enforcement personnel should be involved in all stages. I have seen a concerning trend across the country in trying to treat these differently or even adding in a layer of investigation. This needs to be treated as a crime. I understand the gentlewoman's concern here, and expanding this grant program could result from others in reducing resources that are available for prosecution. So I understand the gentlewoman's concern. I just would oppose this for those reasons and no more that. [[Page H3034]] Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chairman, I rise to continue to try and educate my colleagues on the opposite side of the aisle about the trauma that is faced by victims of sexual assault, and I am hopeful that they will agree with me, join in this amendment, and support this amendment so that we can create the opportunity to get these conversations going so that, indeed, these women can be supported and understood perhaps in ways this has never happened before. Madam Chair, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler) who is the chair of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I support this amendment which expands the types of grants that can be funded to combat violent crimes on college campuses. Evidence-based research on the neurobiology of trauma has shown the effectiveness of using victim-centered, trauma-informed interview techniques when investigating allegations of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking. This amendment seeks to ensure that campus personnel who investigate these types of cases are trained in up-to-date, research-based methods for interviewing victims and handling cases in a sensitive manner. Madam Chair, I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. Ms. WATERS. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1600 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I appreciate the gentlewoman's concern; but, also, I do understand this issue, as someone who has been in the legal community, been a counselor, also a chaplain in the Air Force who has had to deal with sexual assault issues, and also served on the local board of Rape Response. I do get these issues. I don't disagree with the gentlewoman that there are concerns here, that we do need to be sensitive and we do need to do this. My concern lies simply in the fact that we need to put this funding and these resources not to a bifurcated process, but we also need to continue to make sure that this goes to law enforcement, because someone who mistreats and someone who is a victim of sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking--it is a crime, and it needs to be treated as that. We need to make sure our law enforcement personnel can have better resources and better access so that the victims can be taken care of and the perpetrators can be locked up. That is my concern here, not that I don't understand what the victims may be going through. Although I have never personally been a victim, I have counseled on many occasions people who have been victims. So, I would just caution, so we understand the differences in our opinions, why someone may hold an opinion. And mine was simply from a law enforcement perspective, not that I was ignoring or ambivalent toward the feelings of those who have been victimized. Madam Chair, I would just oppose this for those reasons and nothing more, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California will be postponed. Amendment No. 8 Offered by Mr. Young The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 8 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. YOUNG. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 135, strike lines 8 through 15, and insert the following: ``(g) Indian Country Defined.--For purposes of the pilot project described in subsection (f)(5), the definition of `Indian country' shall include-- ``(1) Alaska Native-owned Townsites, Allotments, and former reservation lands acquired in fee by Alaska Native Village Corporations pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 33) and other lands transferred in fee to Native villages, and ``(2) all lands within any Alaska Native village with a population that is at least 75 percent Alaska Native.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Alaska. Mr. YOUNG. Madam Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Chair, my amendment would improve this bill's application to remote Alaska Native villages. Women in Alaska Native villages suffer the very highest sexual abuse rates in the Nation. Alaska Native women are overrepresented in the domestic violence survivor population by 250 percent. Alaska Natives comprise about 19 percent of the State's population, yet are 47 percent of the reported rape survivors. Yet, Native villages currently lack any efficient tools to criminally prosecute the offenders. The remoteness and isolation of the Native villages, most of which are not connected to the road system and only accessible by air, makes it difficult to prevent violence and care for the survivors. Almost all of these villages lack any form of law enforcement, and it can take days for authorities to fly to the village and respond to an incident, particularly when weather conditions are bad. My amendment will open the door to a meaningful pilot project to help overcome these limitations by crafting an Alaska solution for a unique Alaska problem. Currently, the bill would create an Alaska Native jurisdiction pilot program for five villages, but only covers Native lands that are largely outside the villages. These lands are not where people live and, therefore, not where crimes are committed. My amendment would add jurisdiction for all lands inside Alaska Native villages to cover where the majority of violence actually occurs. Villages need to be empowered to develop local solutions to these problems. My amendment is supported by the National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives, the Tanana Chiefs Conference, and Bristol Bay Native Corporation. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment for Alaska, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from New York is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I support this amendment because it improves and enhances the special Tribal criminal jurisdiction pilot project created by VAWA in 2013 specifically to benefit Alaska Natives. For over 5 years, the special Tribal criminal jurisdiction has given qualifying Tribes across the United States the authority to prosecute non-Tribal members for certain offenses. This year's reauthorization of VAWA would extend that jurisdiction to more crimes, including dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Tribes across the country have been effectively exercising their authority under VAWA and keeping their communities safe. This amendment would ensure that Alaska Native villages that qualify are also able to exercise this type of jurisdiction. It is only fair that they be allowed to do so. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. YOUNG. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young). The amendment was agreed to. [[Page H3035]] Amendment No. 9 Offered by Ms. Johnson of Texas The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 9 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 52, line 13, strike ``means a transfer'' and insert ``means an emergency transfer under subsection (e) from a unit of a covered housing provider''. Page 52, line 16, insert ``that can transfer to any unit of the same covered housing provider'' before the period at the end. Page 52, line 18, strike ``means a transfer'' and insert ``means an emergency transfer under subsection (e) from a unit of a covered housing provider''. Page 59, strike lines 17 through 21 and insert the following: ``(1) In general.--A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking may apply for an emergency transfer to another available and safe dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program, and the covered housing provider shall grant such application if--''. Page 60, line 24, strike ``internal emergency transfer'' and insert ``internal transfer''. Page 61, beginning on line 4, strike ``internal emergency transfer'' and insert ``internal transfer''. Page 61, beginning on line 8, strike ``internal emergency transfer'' and insert ``internal transfer''. Page 61, line 15, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 62, beginning on line 1, strike ``internal emergency transfer'' and insert ``internal transfer''. Page 62, line 3, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 62, line 5, strike ``internal emergency transfer'' and insert ``internal transfer''. Page 62, line 6, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 62, line 8, strike ``emergency''. Page 62, line 11, strike ``emergency''. Page 63, line 9, strike ``emergency''. Page 63, line 15, strike ``emergency''. Page 63, line 18, strike ``emergency''. Page 69, line 19, strike ``subsection'' and insert ``section''. Page 73, line 7, strike ``subsection'' and insert ``section''. Page 80, line 9, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 80, line 21, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 80, line 24, strike ``external emergency transfer'' and insert ``external transfer''. Page 84, line 6, strike ``pararaph'' and insert ``paragraph''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas. Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment offered to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. My amendment will ensure that a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking is able to apply for an emergency transfer to another available and safe dwelling unit assisted under a covered housing program. The covered housing provider shall grant such application. This amendment has also been scored by the Congressional Budget Office to have no effect on direct spending or revenues. In my home State of Texas and my city of Dallas, we are, unfortunately, deeply familiar with the tragedies involved in domestic violence. Families have been broken apart and people have lost their lives to the scourge of domestic violence. We have the duty to do more to protect these people. Therefore, it is necessary for us to make clear the distinction in law, the difference between internal and external transfers. Though it may sound trivial, this amendment is crucial to providing victims of domestic violence a sense of safety, security, and dignity. As representatives of Americans from all corners of our country, we know that this problem is not unique to any one part of our Nation. It is widespread and engrossing, and our response to it must also measure up to the significance of the challenge. Americans today are in need of protections and assistance to recover from domestic violence. They need these protections to return to full and prosperous lives. By voting in favor of this amendment, Congress is upholding our sacred obligation to protect the millions of victims and survivors who need and deserve our wholehearted, full support. As co-chair of the Congressional Homeless Caucus, I have worked on housing issues for a long time. I am appreciative of my colleagues on the Judiciary and Financial Services Committees for their partnership in strengthening the housing protections in this Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I appreciate the gentlewoman's amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Chair, I simply urge adoption of this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Johnson). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mrs. Wagner The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 10 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 35, line 3, strike ``and stalking'' and insert ``stalking, and sex trafficking''. Page 35, strike lines 4 through 17, and insert the following (and redesignate other provisions accordingly): (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``or'' at the end; (iii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and Page 35, lines 22 through 23, strike ``and stalking'' and insert ``stalking, and sex trafficking''. Page 36, line 8, insert ``sex trafficking,'' after ``stalking,''. Page 36, strike lines 11 through 13 (and redesignate other provisions accordingly). Page 36, line 15, insert ``and'' after the semicolon. Page 36, strike lines 16 through 18 (and redesignate other provisions accordingly). The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Missouri. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support my amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. VAWA grant programs serve women and girls, especially those in underserved communities who are experiencing violence. Sex trafficking is one such form of violence. Victims endure horrific trauma, violence, and abuse. Unfortunately, there is a real gap in services for child sex trafficking victims. In Missouri, we struggle to find safe and secure options for girls who are looking to restart their lives. Amazing nonprofits like The Covering House in my district serve youth, along with other organizations across the country, but there is still a substantial unfilled need for services. In addition to counseling and housing, victim service providers are trying to prevent violence by educating children and ensuring that they never become victims of sex trafficking in the first place. That is why programs like the Creating Hope through Outreach, Options, Service, and Education for Children and Youth program, CHOOSE, are so essential. This VAWA program ensures that the Department of Justice can develop, expand, and strengthen victim-centered interventions that target youth who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking. It enables schools to provide training to personnel on the needs of students [[Page H3036]] who are victims of trafficking, and it develops prevention programming in middle and high schools. These are critical services, and this amendment will ensure that the CHOOSE program can continue to provide funding for programs that counter sex trafficking, not only other forms of violence. We cannot unintentionally strip sex trafficking references out of VAWA text. Sex trafficking is a paramount example of violence against girls and women, and we must be careful not to disenfranchise these victims as we legislate. I thank my colleague from Texas, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, and others for cosponsoring my amendment and working to ensure that we have bipartisan support. I will also work with my colleagues in the Senate to ensure these references are restored in the final VAWA legislation. Madam Chair, I urge my House colleagues to support my amendment and ensure that child sex trafficking victims maintain access to critical services, and I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I claim time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Texas is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I thank Congresswoman Wagner for her continuing leadership. It has been a pleasure to work with her over the years in the House Committee on the Judiciary on the question of human trafficking and sex trafficking. I am delighted to join this amendment, along with Congresswoman Maloney from New York. We have a long history of working on the issues of human trafficking and sex trafficking. Madam Chair, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking. Twenty-five percent of them are children; 75 percent of them are women and girls. It is a tragedy, but one out of seven endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely child sex trafficking victims. Of those, 88 percent were in the care of social services or foster care when they ran. From 2007 to 2017, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received 34,700 sex trafficking cases inside the United States; and, in 2017, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children indicated that children continue in 2017, again, to be sex trafficked. The International Labor Organization, again, estimates that there are 4.8 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation. {time} 1615 What is necessary to know is that sex trafficking can be a revolving door. It is income that sex traffickers and human traffickers use. I am very delighted to join with Congresswoman Wagner's amendment to this bill dealing with violence against women because it is an expanded bill that answers the concerns of so many. I am glad that this amendment will ensure that the Creating Hope through Outreach, Options, Service, and Education for Children and Youth program, the CHOOSE Children and Youth program, can continue to be programs that address sex trafficking. It is important to note, in particular, that it is answering the question of the gap in services in our States for young women who are at risk and who are struggling to restart their lives. We must ensure that, once these individuals have been victimized, sex trafficked, we do all we can to help them heal and recover. I ask all Members to join in supporting this amendment, which emphasizes that sex trafficking is a part of our trying to stop and stomp out for good violence against women. I ask all Members to support the Wagner-Jackson Lee-Maloney amendment. Madam Chair, I rise in strong support of the Wagner/Jackson Lee/ Maloney Amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019. The Wagner/Jackson Lee/Maloney makes an improvement to the bill by drawing attention to the lack of services for child sex trafficking services and which draws attention to groups like CHOOSE Children and Youth (Creating Hope through Outreach, Options, Service and Education for Children and Youth) for educating and preventing sex trafficking. Madam Chair, while we live in the richest, most powerful country in the history of the world, in our nation we still see the prevalence of sex trafficking. It is important that as we do this work before us today, we emphasize that sex trafficking is also a form of violence against women and children. The Congress--this body--must work to ensure that services for sex trafficking victims are available. The Wagner/Jackson Lee/Maloney Amendment addresses the gap in services in our state for young women who are risk and who are struggling to restart their lives. Crime, and especially crimes falling within the umbrella of offenses addressed in VAWA are unconscionable and intolerable in a civilized society. We must ensure that once these individuals have been victimized, we do all we can to help them heal and recover. This Jackson Lee/Wagner/Maloney Amendment works towards that end. I ask all members to support the Wagner/Jackson Lee/Maloney Amendment and I thank the gentlelady from Missouri for her work. Notes on Sex Trafficking Sex Trafficking is an extension of human trafficking The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. 81 percent of them are trapped in forced labor. 25 percent of them are children. 75 percent are women and girls. The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide. The U.S. Department of Labor has identified 148 goods from 75 countries made by forced and child labor. In 2017, an estimated 1 out of 7 endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children were likely child sex trafficking victims. Of those, 88 percent were in the care of social services or foster care when they ran. There is no official estimate of the total number of human trafficking victims in the U.S. Estimates indicate that the total number of victims nationally reaches into the hundreds of thousands when estimates of both adults and minors and sex trafficking and labor trafficking are aggregated. From 2007 to 2017, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received reports of 34,700 sex trafficking cases inside the United States. In 2017, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that 1 in 7 endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 4.8 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I thank my friends across the aisle, certainly the Representative from Texas, Ms. Sheila Jackson Lee, and my good friend from New York, Carolyn Maloney, who I know wanted to speak today on the amendment but is held up in a hearing that she is chairing presently. I thank them for their bipartisan support, and I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Nadler), the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. I support this bipartisan amendment, which would ensure that entities focused on addressing sex trafficking maintain eligibility for CHOOSE grants. We know that sex trafficking is a serious problem in the United States. At this time, CHOOSE grants are available for the purpose of enhancing the safety of youth and children who are victims of or exposed to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or sex trafficking, and for preventing future violence. This amendment ensures that we continue to provide critical funding to address sex trafficking in our communities. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Chair, I am holding up this bill, H.R. 1585. We are very grateful for the many victims who, once this bill is passed, will be able to both be honored but also be protected. At the same time, with the gentlewoman's help, we want to make sure [[Page H3037]] that sex trafficked victims are not left out of important historic legislation like H.R. 1585. With her amendment--and I am pleased to join it with Congresswoman Maloney--we are ensuring that sex trafficking and the victims of sex trafficking will be heard, their voices will be heard. More importantly, there will be resources and programs that will address their pain but also address their ability to restore their lives. I ask my colleagues to support the Wagner-Jackson Lee-Maloney amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Act. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of this amendment. Power and control. The tools of human traffickers are the same as those of domestic abusers. Human trafficking and domestic violence are not distinct crimes. They often overlap. In both cases, it is often intimate partners who traffic or abuse their victims. In both cases, abusers and traffickers use emotional manipulation, economic abuse, physical violence--all tactics to exert power and control over their victims. Support services for survivors need to recognize the intersections between sex trafficking and domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. That is why this amendment from Congresswoman Wagner is so important. This amendment would ensure that the Justice Department's Creating Hope through Outreach, Options, Service and Education for Children and Youth Program can continue to include programs that address sex trafficking. We must address both of these crimes individually and we do. But we must also acknowledge that these crimes can often overlap and where they overlap we need to address the patterns that perpetuate this violence, in order to best serve survivors and connect them with the resources they need to get the help they deserve. So I urge my colleagues to support this important amendment and thank the gentlewoman from Missouri for all of her efforts to combat human trafficking and domestic abuse. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Missouri will be postponed. Amendment No. 11 Offered by Mrs. Wagner The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 11 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 15, strike lines 6 through 12, and insert the following: (G) in paragraph (16)-- (i) in subparagraph (C)(i), by striking ``$20,000 in Department funds, unless the Deputy Attorney General'' and inserting ``$100,000 in Department funds, unless the Director or Principal Deputy Director of the Office on Violence Against Women, the Deputy Attorney General,''; and (ii) by adding at the end the following: ``(E) Ineligibility.--If the Attorney General finds that a recipient of grant funds under this Act has fraudulently misused such grant funds, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing, such recipient shall not be eligible to receive grant funds under this Act for up to 5 years. A misuse of grant funds or an error that does not rise to the level of fraud is not grounds for ineligibility.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Missouri. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I rise today to ask my colleagues to vote for my amendment that will ensure greater transparency and accountability when it comes to taxpayer dollars. The Department of Justice inspector general has found frequent misconduct, fraud, and abuse in VAWA grant-making. More than $7 billion in grants has been awarded over the years, and audits have revealed that too many recipients are out of compliance with the terms of these grants. This amendment will ensure that the Office on Violence Against Women cannot continue to grant VAWA dollars to organizations that are fraudulently misusing funds. Organizations that misuse funds will lose their eligibility to receive VAWA grants for up to 5 years. Errors that do not rise to the level of fraud will not impact an organization's eligibility, but we must encourage grant recipients to act with caution and integrity. In this way, we can best serve the women and girls that VAWA programs are meant to empower. I thank you for supporting justice and services for America's women and children and girls, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on my amendment and broaden access for organizations acting in compliance with honesty and good faith. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman from New York is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. NADLER. Madam Chair, I support this amendment, which would make entities found by the Attorney General to have fraudulently misused VAWA grant funds ineligible to apply for future grants for up to 5 years. This amendment tries to guard against the potential misuse of grant funds, but it does so in a way that safeguards due process, after reasonable notice and opportunity for a hearing. Any misuse of funds that does not rise to the level of fraud, or that is merely an error, is insufficient to make a grantee ineligible for funds and only places a temporary, but sufficiently lengthy, ban on receipt of funding. Because this is a commonsense measure, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mrs. WAGNER. Madam Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership and for his support of this amendment, and I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 12 Offered by Mr. Grijalva The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 12 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 131, strike line 8 and all that follows through line 12, and insert the following: ``(B)(i) committed against a victim who is a child under the age of 18, or an elder (as such term is defined by tribal law), including when an offender recklessly engages in conduct that creates a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury to the victim, or committed as described in subparagraph (A) while the child or elder is present; and ``(ii) the child or elder-- ``(I) resides or has resided in the same household as the offender; ``(II) is related to the offender by blood or marriage; ``(III) is related to another victim of the offender by blood or marriage; ``(IV) is under the care of a victim of the offender who is an intimate partner or former spouse; or ``(V) is under the care of a victim of the offender who is similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic- or family- violence laws of an Indian tribe that has jurisdiction over the Indian country where the violence occurs.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, as we have heard over and over today, and justifiably so, the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act is critical for women across this country. This bill will ensure the safety of women, especially Native American women. My amendment will expand the definition of domestic violence to include violence against or witnessed by a [[Page H3038]] child or elder, as defined by Tribal law. This important amendment will allow Tribes to ensure that perpetrators acting violently toward or near children or elders receive consequences for their actions. The Tulalip Tribe is one of the first Tribes to implement the Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction from the 2013 Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. They immediately experienced the implications of not having this protection for children and elders in their jurisdiction. Of the 30 cases they received in Tribal court, 20 involved children and/or elders. Although the violence impacted the child or the elder, the Tribal court was not able to prosecute. When the jurisdiction moved to the State, it did not prosecute the remaining 20 cases in State court. Justice was not served for the children and/or the elders experiencing violence. In 2010, the Attorney General's report on American Indian and Alaska Native children exposed to violence included the recommendation that Congress should restore the inherent authority of American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes to assert jurisdiction over persons who commit crimes against American Indian and Alaska Native children. This amendment is a step toward guaranteeing that Congress keeps American Indian and Alaska Native children and elders safe. By passing this amendment, Congress will restore the inherent authority for the Tulalip Tribe and others to fully secure the safety of Tribal children and elders throughout Indian Country. I urge my colleagues to protect Native children and elders by supporting this amendment. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, I have no other speakers, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Grijalva The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 13 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 134, strike line 3 and all that follows through page 135, line 18, and insert the following: (9) by striking subsections (f), (g), and (h) and inserting the following: ``(f) Grants and Reimbursement to Tribal Governments.-- ``(1) Reimbursement.-- ``(A) In general.--The Attorney General is authorized to reimburse tribal government authorities for expenses incurred in exercising special tribal criminal jurisdiction. ``(B) Eligible expenses.--Eligible expenses for reimbursement shall include-- ``(i) expenses incurred to arrest or prosecute offenders and to detain inmates (including costs associated with providing health care); ``(ii) expenses related to indigent defense services; and ``(iii) costs associated with probation and rehabilitation services. ``(C) Procedure.--Reimbursements authorized pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with rules promulgated by the Attorney General after consultation with Indian tribes and within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. The rules promulgated by the Department shall set a maximum allowable reimbursement to any tribal government in a one year period. ``(2) Grants.--The Attorney General may award grants to the governments of Indian tribes (or to authorized designees of those governments)-- ``(A) to strengthen tribal criminal justice systems to assist Indian tribes in exercising special tribal criminal jurisdiction, including-- ``(i) law enforcement (including the capacity of law enforcement, court personnel, or other non-law enforcement entities that have no Federal or State arrest authority agencies but have been designated by a tribe as responsible for maintaining public safety within its territorial jurisdiction, to enter information into and obtain information from national crime information databases); ``(ii) prosecution; ``(iii) trial and appellate courts (including facilities construction); ``(iv) probation systems; ``(v) detention and correctional facilities (including facilities construction); ``(vi) alternative rehabilitation centers; ``(vii) culturally appropriate services and assistance for victims and their families; and ``(viii) criminal codes and rules of criminal procedure, appellate procedure, and evidence; ``(B) to provide indigent criminal defendants with the effective assistance of licensed defense counsel, at no cost to the defendant, in criminal proceedings in which a participating tribe prosecutes-- ``(i) a crime of domestic violence; ``(ii) a crime of dating violence; ``(iii) a criminal violation of a protection order; ``(iv) a crime of sexual violence; ``(v) a crime of stalking; ``(vi) a crime of sex trafficking; ``(vii) a crime of obstruction of justice; or ``(viii) a crime of assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer; ``(C) to ensure that, in criminal proceedings in which a participating tribe exercises special tribal criminal jurisdiction, jurors are summoned, selected, and instructed in a manner consistent with all applicable requirements; ``(D) to accord victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer, and violations of protection orders rights that are similar to the rights of a crime victim described in section 3771(a) of title 18, consistent with tribal law and custom; and ``(E) to create a pilot project to allow up to five Indian tribes in Alaska to implement special tribal criminal jurisdiction. ``(g) Indian Country Defined.--For purposes of the pilot project described in subsection (f)(2)(E), the definition of `Indian country' shall include Alaska Native-owned Townsites, Allotments, and former reservation lands acquired in fee by Alaska Native Village Corporations pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 33) and other lands transferred in fee to Native villages. ``(h) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Amounts made available under this section shall supplement and not supplant any other Federal, State, tribal, or local government amounts made available to carry out activities described in this section. ``(i) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to carry out subsection (f) and to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and evaluation of the criminal justice systems of participating tribes. ``(j) Use of Funds.--Not less than 25 percent of the total amount of funds appropriated under this section in a given year shall be used for each of the purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (f), with remaining funds available to be distributed for either of the purposes described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (f), or any combination of such purposes, depending on need and in consultation with Indian tribes.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona. Modification to Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Grijalva Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that my amendment be modified in the form that I have placed at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will report the modification. The Clerk read as follows: Modification to Amendment No. 13 Offered by Mr. Grijalva: The amendment is modified to read as follows: Page 134, strike line 3 and all that follows through page 135, line 18, and insert the following: (9) by striking subsections (f), (g), and (h) and inserting the following: ``(f) Grants and Reimbursement to Tribal Governments.-- ``(1) Reimbursement.-- ``(A) In general.--The Attorney General is authorized to reimburse tribal government authorities for expenses incurred in exercising special tribal criminal jurisdiction. ``(B) Eligible expenses.--Eligible expenses for reimbursement shall include-- ``(i) expenses incurred to arrest or prosecute offenders and to detain inmates (including costs associated with providing health care); ``(ii) expenses related to indigent defense services; and ``(iii) costs associated with probation and rehabilitation services. ``(C) Procedure.--Reimbursements authorized pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with rules promulgated by the Attorney General after consultation with Indian tribes and within one year after the date of enactment of this Act. The rules promulgated by the Department shall set a [[Page H3039]] maximum allowable reimbursement to any tribal government in a one year period. ``(2) Grants.--The Attorney General may award grants to the governments of Indian tribes (or to authorized designees of those governments)-- ``(A) to strengthen tribal criminal justice systems to assist Indian tribes in exercising special tribal criminal jurisdiction, including-- ``(i) law enforcement (including the capacity of law enforcement, court personnel, or other non-law enforcement entities that have no Federal or State arrest authority agencies but have been designated by a tribe as responsible for maintaining public safety within its territorial jurisdiction, to enter information into and obtain information from national crime information databases); ``(ii) prosecution; ``(iii) trial and appellate courts (including facilities construction); ``(iv) probation systems; ``(v) detention and correctional facilities (including facilities construction); ``(vi) alternative rehabilitation centers; ``(vii) culturally appropriate services and assistance for victims and their families; and ``(viii) criminal codes and rules of criminal procedure, appellate procedure, and evidence; ``(B) to provide indigent criminal defendants with the effective assistance of licensed defense counsel, at no cost to the defendant, in criminal proceedings in which a participating tribe prosecutes-- ``(i) a crime of domestic violence; ``(ii) a crime of dating violence; ``(iii) a criminal violation of a protection order; ``(iv) a crime of sexual violence; ``(v) a crime of stalking; ``(vi) a crime of sex trafficking; ``(vii) a crime of obstruction of justice; or ``(viii) a crime of assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer; ``(C) to ensure that, in criminal proceedings in which a participating tribe exercises special tribal criminal jurisdiction, jurors are summoned, selected, and instructed in a manner consistent with all applicable requirements; ``(D) to accord victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual violence, stalking, sex trafficking, obstruction of justice, assault of a law enforcement or correctional officer, and violations of protection orders rights that are similar to the rights of a crime victim described in section 3771(a) of title 18, consistent with tribal law and custom; and ``(E) to create a pilot project to allow up to five Indian tribes in Alaska to implement special tribal criminal jurisdiction. ``(g) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Amounts made available under this section shall supplement and not supplant any other Federal, State, tribal, or local government amounts made available to carry out activities described in this section. ``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $7,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024 to carry out subsection (f) and to provide training, technical assistance, data collection, and evaluation of the criminal justice systems of participating tribes. ``(i) Use of Funds.--Not less than 25 percent of the total amount of funds appropriated under this section in a given year shall be used for each of the purposes described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (f), with remaining funds available to be distributed for either of the purposes described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (f), or any combination of such purposes, depending on need and in consultation with Indian tribes.''. Mr. GRIJALVA (during the reading). Madam Chair, I ask unanimous consent that the reading of the modification be dispensed with. The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Arizona? There was no objection. The Acting CHAIR. Is there objection to the original request of the gentleman from Arizona? There was no objection. The Acting CHAIR. The amendment is modified. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, the underlying bill will provide a historic extension of Tribal jurisdiction and ensure that more Native people receive the proper legal protections against people who commit violence toward them. Unfortunately, during the historic passage of the 2013 Violence Against Women reauthorization, the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe quickly realized the cost of implementing this important provision was pricey. Cost concerns about implementing Tribal jurisdiction are generally related to incarceration, healthcare, and jury selection. Further, a National Congress of American Indians report found that there are multiple implementation costs related to incarceration, healthcare, code development, law enforcement, and prosecutors. This hinders some Tribes from implementing the most important provisions related to the Violence Against Women Act. Unlike States, Tribes do not have the ability to tax for the costs related to implementing these important provisions that protect its people. With the support of Representative Kildee, who represents the area of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, the amendment I am offering will help alleviate the costs Tribes will incur due to the expanded criminal jurisdiction provision. This amendment would authorize the Department of Justice to reimburse Tribes that incur costs related to arrest, indigent defense services, and rehabilitation services. Further, this amendment provides language allowing DOJ to award grants to improve their law enforcement, detention and correctional facilities, culturally appropriate services, and criminal code development. I urge my colleagues to protect Indian Country from violence and support this amendment that will ease the costs incurred by Tribes for implementing this historic bill. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although at this point I am not necessarily opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Chair, I have no other speakers. I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1630 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I do think it is interesting, for a sovereign government, the expansion should come out of the funds here is the only concern I would have on this, but other than that, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment, as modified, offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva). The amendment, as modified, was agreed to. Amendment No. 14 Offered by Mr. Emmer The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 14 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. EMMER. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 32, after line 24, insert the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SECTION 205. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. Title IV of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 10101 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``Subtitle Q--Trauma-informed Training for Law Enforcement ``SEC. 41701. DEMONSTRATION PROGRAM ON TRAUMA-INFORMED TRAINING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT. ``(a) Definitions.--In this section-- ``(1) the term `Attorney General' means the Attorney General, acting through the Director of the Office on Violence Against Women; ``(2) the term `covered individual' means an individual who interfaces with victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, including-- ``(A) an individual working for or on behalf of an eligible entity; ``(B) a school or university administrator; and ``(C) an emergency services or medical employee; ``(3) the term `demonstration site', with respect to an eligible entity that receives a grant under this section, means-- ``(A) if the eligible entity is a law enforcement agency described in paragraph (4)(A), the area over which the eligible entity has jurisdiction; and ``(B) if the eligible entity is an organization or agency described in paragraph (4)(B), the area over which a law enforcement agency described in paragraph (4)(A) that is working in collaboration with the eligible entity has jurisdiction; and ``(4) the term `eligible entity' means-- ``(A) a State, local, territorial, or Tribal law enforcement agency; or ``(B) a national, regional, or local victim services organization or agency working in collaboration with a law enforcement agency described in subparagraph (A). ``(b) Grants Authorized.-- ``(1) In general.--The Attorney General shall award grants on a competitive basis to [[Page H3040]] eligible entities to carry out the demonstration program under this section by implementing evidence-based or promising policies and practices to incorporate trauma- informed techniques designed to-- ``(A) prevent re-traumatization of the victim; ``(B) ensure that covered individuals use evidence-based practices to respond to and investigate cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; ``(C) improve communication between victims and law enforcement officers in an effort to increase the likelihood of the successful investigation and prosecution of the reported crime in a manner that protects the victim to the greatest extent possible; ``(D) increase collaboration among stakeholders who are part of the coordinated community response to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and ``(E) evaluate the effectiveness of the training process and content by measuring-- ``(i) investigative and prosecutorial practices and outcomes; and ``(ii) the well-being of victims and their satisfaction with the criminal justice process. ``(2) Term.--The Attorney General shall make grants under this section for each of the first 2 fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act. ``(3) Award basis.--The Attorney General shall award grants under this section to multiple eligible entities for use in a variety of settings and communities, including-- ``(A) urban, suburban, Tribal, remote, and rural areas; ``(B) college campuses; or ``(C) traditionally underserved communities. ``(c) Use of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall use the grant to-- ``(1) train covered individuals within the demonstration site of the eligible entity to use evidence-based, trauma- informed techniques and knowledge of crime victims' rights throughout an investigation into domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including by-- ``(A) conducting victim interviews in a manner that-- ``(i) elicits valuable information about the domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(ii) avoids re-traumatization of the victim; ``(B) conducting field investigations that mirror best and promising practices available at the time of the investigation; ``(C) customizing investigative approaches to ensure a culturally and linguistically appropriate approach to the community being served; ``(D) becoming proficient in understanding and responding to complex cases, including cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking-- ``(i) facilitated by alcohol or drugs; ``(ii) involving strangulation; ``(iii) committed by a non-stranger; ``(iv) committed by an individual of the same sex as the victim; ``(v) involving a victim with a disability; ``(vi) involving a male victim; or ``(vii) involving a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (commonly referred to as `LGBT') victim; ``(E) developing collaborative relationships between-- ``(i) law enforcement officers and other members of the response team; and ``(ii) the community being served; and ``(F) developing an understanding of how to define, identify, and correctly classify a report of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking; and ``(2) promote the efforts of the eligible entity to improve the response of covered individuals to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking through various communication channels, such as the website of the eligible entity, social media, print materials, and community meetings, in order to ensure that all covered individuals within the demonstration site of the eligible entity are aware of those efforts and included in trainings, to the extent practicable. ``(d) Demonstration Program Trainings on Trauma-informed Approaches.-- ``(1) Identification of existing trainings.-- ``(A) In general.--The Attorney General shall identify trainings for law enforcement officers, in existence as of the date on which the Attorney General begins to solicit applications for grants under this section, that-- ``(i) employ a trauma-informed approach to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and ``(ii) focus on the fundamentals of-- ``(I) trauma responses; and ``(II) the impact of trauma on victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. ``(B) Selection.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under this section shall select one or more of the approaches employed by a training identified under subparagraph (A) to test within the demonstration site of the eligible entity. ``(2) Consultation.--In carrying out paragraph (1), the Attorney General shall consult with the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime in order to seek input from and cultivate consensus among outside practitioners and other stakeholders through facilitated discussions and focus groups on best practices in the field of trauma-informed care for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. ``(e) Evaluation.--The Attorney General, in consultation with the Director of the National Institute of Justice, shall require each eligible entity that receives a grant under this section to identify a research partner, preferably a local research partner, to-- ``(1) design a system for generating and collecting the appropriate data to facilitate an independent process or impact evaluation of the use of the grant funds; ``(2) periodically conduct an evaluation described in paragraph (1); and ``(3) periodically make publicly available, during the grant period-- ``(A) preliminary results of the evaluations conducted under paragraph (2); and ``(B) recommendations for improving the use of the grant funds. ``(f) Authorization of Appropriations.--The Attorney General shall carry out this section using amounts otherwise available to the Attorney General. ``(g) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be construed to interfere with the due process rights of any individual.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Minnesota. Mr. EMMER. Madam Chair, as we consider the Violence Against Women Act, or VAWA, reauthorization, I offer an amendment to allow for a demonstration program that will issue grants to promote trauma-informed training for law enforcement and other personnel. The amendment is substantially similar to the Abby Honold Act, which has been led by bipartisan Minnesota Members of Congress. The amendment does not authorize new appropriations, but merely enables existing funds to be used for training that ultimately could save lives and help find the perpetrators of an assault. The amendment aims to help victims of sexual crimes, in addition to those who have experienced other forms of trauma, by improving the care and treatment they receive after the event. Specifically, the amendment will create a voluntary grant program to train law enforcement agencies in evidence-based, trauma-informed interview techniques to prevent retraumatization of victims, improve communication between victims and law enforcement, and ensure accurate and complete information is submitted to law enforcement. The amendment and bill is in honor of Abby Honold, who attended the University of Minnesota. Abby was the victim of rape, but I know her as one of the bravest people I have ever met for being able to publicly share her story and fight for changes to the law that will help countless Americans. During traumatic events, parts of the brain shut down and block shocking experiences, shielding the victim, but affecting recollection. When searching for evidence of criminal behavior, many interview techniques are not developed to comfort the victim and effectively access these memories. Information collected in the normal manner may inhibit memory recall and accuracy of events and details. This often leads to suspicion of the victim. Thankfully, Abby was treated by a nurse who had been trained to provide trauma-informed techniques that allowed the nurse to ask sensitive questions in a respectful way that enabled an accurate recount of events. Nurse Walther, who interviewed Abby, made her feel comfortable, and by using the trauma-informed techniques, avoided retraumatization. The difference that we can make for victims by providing training for these techniques will ensure that recovery and healing can occur for victims of these traumatic instances. Abby also encountered Officer Kevin Randolph, who went above and beyond to help her win her case against her perpetrator because he understood how these techniques lead to more accurate information and ensured prosecution. In Minnesota alone, 2,000 women report being raped or sexually assaulted every year. Abby's Act will help law enforcement investigate sexual assault cases and improve care and treatment for victims. The amendment establishes a pilot program to train law enforcement, first responders, university officials, or any [[Page H3041]] other personnel who interface with victims of sexual violence in trauma-informed techniques focused on preventing retraumatization of the victim, improving communication and rapport between victims and law enforcement, as well as collaboration between the different entities that assist a victim of sexual violence. Sexual assault is a crime, and it is vital for law enforcement to have accurate and complete information to prosecute it. For Abby and for the thousands of victims who experience trauma, this is a key part of their recovery process, as is a compassionate response in the immediate aftermath of an event. This pilot program would be an important step forward to provide better treatment to sexual assault victims in crisis and to make certain it is treated like the serious crime that it is. I am disappointed that the bill before us today will be a partisan vote and Republicans on the Judiciary Committee were excluded from the process, but I offer this bipartisan amendment as a demonstration that we can still work together. I also hope the Senate considers this body's overwhelming support for the Abby Honold Act as it contemplates VAWA reauthorization. Abby has been a strong advocate for the use of trauma-informed care by law enforcement, and I have been fortunate to work with her and our law enforcement community on this important legislation. A good first step to holding those accountable is ensuring law enforcement has the tools and resources needed to investigate these crimes. This bill is just one step towards solving a clear problem across our country. Victims of sexual assault deserve the best possible care and the most compassionate response following their trauma, and we can provide it now. We must all work together to ensure these crimes are treated as the heinous acts they are, with the hope that one day they cease altogether. The Acting CHAIR. The time of the gentleman from Minnesota has expired. Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentlewoman from Washington is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, I am very proud to cosponsor this bipartisan amendment with my colleague from Minnesota to provide access to training on trauma-informed techniques for law enforcement and other agencies that respond to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Unfortunately, as you well know, despite our best efforts, rape and sexual assault continue to be underreported, and the statistic tells us that, out of every 1,000 rapes, 995 perpetrators will walk free. One thing we can do to address this is to make sure that investigators have training on trauma-informed techniques to work with the survivors of sexual violence so that investigators don't further harm survivors. This is not just in the best interest of the survivor, but it is also to make sure that law enforcement can hold perpetrators accountable. I am particularly moved by the courage and the determination of Abby Honold, the namesake of this amendment, and many, many women across my State and across the country who have suffered the same situation as she has. Ms. Honold endured a brutal attack, and then she did something truly courageous. And let me just say, Madam Chair, that it is courageous to continue to submit yourself to investigation after a brutal assault. She took action to call attention to the importance of the trauma- informed services she received that helped her to pursue justice, and today, her work has resulted in this amendment to ensure that others will be able to provide the same kind of assistance that she received. So as we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, I hope that my colleagues will support this amendment to the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, traditionally a bipartisan act in this Chamber. When Congress passed VAWA 25 years ago, it was a landmark achievement that sent a very clear message to people living in abusive or violent situations that we saw them, that we would stand with them. With each reauthorization, we continue to expand critical protections and make improvements like this amendment to better serve survivors. Madam Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. Omar), my colleague on this side of the aisle. Ms. OMAR. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of this amendment. This amendment to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act includes language of a bill that I am proud to be an original cosponsor of called the Abby Honold Act. Abby is a constituent of mine, a former student at the University of Minnesota. A survivor of sexual assault, she has been a fierce champion of this initiative and was the driving force behind this legislation that bears her name. I want to make sure that my colleagues support this amendment on behalf of the thousands of victims who experience trauma. This is a key part of their recovery process and a crucial response to the immediate aftermath. Ms. JAYAPAL. Madam Chair, we look forward to everyone supporting this amendment. We hope that we continue to operate in a bipartisan fashion in this Chamber to pass not only this amendment, but the full reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 15 Offered by Mr. Quigley The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 15 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 171, insert after line 2, the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1408. REVIEW ON LINK BETWEEN SUBSTANCE USE AND VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING. Not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services shall complete a review and submit a report to Congress on whether being a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking increases the likelihood of having a substance use disorder. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Chair, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Chair, I rise today to offer this straightforward, commonsense amendment that does not affect direct spending or revenues. My amendment requires the Secretary of HHS to complete a review of the relationship between survival of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. This information is vital because we know traumatic experiences such as domestic violence are associated with behavioral health conditions; we know that behavioral health conditions are associated with substance use disorders; and we know that substance use is linked to traumatic experiences. What we don't know is if survivors of domestic violence have an increased likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. Although the evidence exists, we have yet to conduct a comprehensive review of the data to make the connection. It is important to understand the nature and impact of trauma to effectively serve those who have suffered. If the review indicates a connection, it would help providers prevent domestic violence survivors from developing a substance use disorder and enable survivors to access preventative and more comprehensive services. This review will also give a better understanding of the broader impacts [[Page H3042]] and effects of trauma on survivors. Social stigma silences both domestic violence survivors and those suffering from substance use disorders. We cannot allow survivors to be silenced any longer. To reduce stigma, we must talk about these issues, better educate ourselves on the struggles of those living with them, and let survivors know they are not alone. By acknowledging that there might be a connection between domestic violence survival and substance use disorders, we can begin the conversation and let victims know that we are willing and able to support them through their recovery. Congress has a responsibility to victims and survivors. This amendment and, more broadly, this bill is one step toward fulfilling that responsibility. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment, even though I am not opposed to it. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fitzpatrick). Mr. FITZPATRICK. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of legislation introduced by myself and Representative Karen Bass to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. VAWA programs have provided educational tools and helped survivors and their families get the resources they need to protect themselves and to begin the healing process. This should not be a partisan issue. {time} 1645 I would like to thank Congresswoman Bass for her leadership. She is a valued partner in this fight, and I am grateful that we can make this bill bipartisan. Across our country, Madam Chair, millions of women and children have been saved by the programs funded through VAWA. Shelters, counseling, training, and law enforcement are all key parts of a national strategy to end domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. In the district I represent, in Bucks and Montgomery Counties, in Pennsylvania, and in all of our districts, VAWA programs are saving lives. A Woman's Place in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, relies on VAWA funding to save lives. Unlike some larger women's organizations, their emergency housing only has room for seven families. Nonetheless, their shelter saved 150 women and children who were in imminent danger, often fleeing for their lives. Another Bucks County organization, Network of Victim Assistance, or NOVA, has helped more than 3,600 victims of sexual assault, human trafficking, stalking, and other serious crimes. NOVA's work to expand prevention programs, which is essential to preventing violence, is supported by VAWA. This bill also includes my Combat Online Predators Act, which will increase penalties for cyberstalking against children. My constituent, Madison Zezzo, was cyberstalked by a then 51-year-old predator, who was only sentenced to probation and counseling. Three years later, he made contact with Madison again and created a web of social media accounts to cyberstalk her. He was later sentenced to between 18 months and 7 years in prison. From domestic violence and sexual assault to cyberstalking, we must do more to prevent violence and, when it does happen, to support victims and bring perpetrators to justice. Madam Chair, the Violence Against Women Act will help us do all these things. I urge my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican alike, to support this legislation, which will save lives in all of our communities. Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Chair, I yield the balance of my time to the gentlewoman from Oklahoma (Ms. Kendra S. Horn), an extraordinary advocate on this issue. Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman from Illinois for yielding time to me to speak on this important topic. Madam Chair, I rise in support of this amendment today which directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to study the relationship between domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking experience and the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. This information is critical. If we are going to make smart policy, we must take an evidence-based approach. We must understand the nature and impact of trauma to best serve those who have suffered. We know traumatic experiences, such as domestic violence, are associated with behavioral conditions, including substance abuse; and we know that these behavioral health conditions are also associated with collective trauma. The full impact of trauma is only now beginning to be understood as tools such as the Adverse Childhood Experiences Score, or ACES, begin to inform this. As the gentleman from Illinois mentioned, broadening our understanding will weaken stigma. Far too often, social stigma silences both domestic violence survivors and those suffering from substance use disorders. We must empower them, not further traumatize them. To reduce this stigma, we have to continue to talk about these issues, educate ourselves about these issues, and support those who are struggling with them. This amendment and, more broadly, this bill is an important step towards fulfilling that responsibility. Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act reaffirms and expands protections for women everywhere. It improves services available to survivors, empowers local law enforcement to protect their communities, prevents stalkers and abusers from obtaining firearms, and strengthens protections against discrimination in housing and the workplace-- because everyone, everywhere deserves a life free from abuse. Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, so we can better protect and treat those who have experienced unspeakable suffering, and to support the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Chair, I ask support for the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Quigley). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 16 Offered by Ms. Meng The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 16 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. MENG. Madam Chair, as the designee of the gentlewoman from New Hampshire (Ms. Kuster), I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 171, insert after line 2 the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1408. INTERAGENCY WORKING GROUP TO STUDY FEDERAL EFFORTS TO COLLECT DATA ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE. (a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Attorney General shall establish an interagency working group (in this section referred to as the ``Working Group'') to study Federal efforts to collect data on sexual violence and to make recommendations on the harmonization of such efforts. (b) Composition.--The Working Group shall be comprised of at least one representative from the following agencies, who shall be selected by the head of that agency: (1) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2) The Department of Education. (3) The Department of Health and Human Services. (4) The Department of Justice. (c) Duties.--The Working Group shall consider the following: (1) What activity constitutes different acts of sexual violence. (2) Whether reports that use the same terms for acts of sexual violence are collecting the same data on these acts. (3) Whether the context which led to an act of sexual violence should impact how that act is accounted for in reports. (4) Whether the data collected is presented in a way that allows the general public to understand what acts of sexual violence are included in each measurement. (5) Steps that agencies that compile reports relating to sexual violence can take to avoid double counting incidents of sexual violence. [[Page H3043]] (d) Report Required.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall publish and submit to Congress a report on the following: (1) The activities of the Working Group. (2) Recommendations to harmonize Federal efforts to collect data on sexual violence. (3) Actions Federal agencies can take to implement the recommendations described in paragraph (2). (4) Recommendations for congressional action to implement the recommendations described in paragraph (2). (e) Termination.--The Working Group shall terminate 30 days after the date on which the report is submitted pursuant to subsection (d). (f) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Harmonize.--The term ``harmonize'' includes efforts to coordinate sexual violence data collection to produce complementary information, as appropriate, without compromising programmatic needs. (2) Sexual violence.--The term ``sexual violence'' includes an unwanted sexual act (including both contact and non- contact) about which the Federal Government collects information. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. Ms. MENG. Madam Chair, I rise today in strong support of Congresswoman Kuster's bipartisan amendment that calls on key Federal agencies to harmonize their sexual violence surveys and reporting systems. This amendment was inspired by a Government Accountability Office study that found Federal agencies engaged in collecting data on sexual violence are using different terminology for the same types of sex crimes, and these crimes are being categorized in dissimilar ways. As one example, an act some Federal surveys identified as rape is considered ``nonconsensual sex acts'' or ``sexual coercion'' in others. For another survey, attempted nonconsensual sex acts are not specifically included in the definition of ``nonconsensual sex acts'' in the survey, even though they are counted in overarching measurement of this behavior. These surveys and reporting systems are important, but their ambiguities and inconsistencies are very problematic and need to be corrected. Ms. Kuster's amendment requires four Federal agencies that conduct eight critical sexual violence surveys to form a working group to help improve coordination and develop clearer sexual violence terminology and categorization. This working group will then complete a report identifying the internal steps and congressional action that can be taken to address this issue. I know Ms. Kuster is proud that this amendment is bipartisan, and she has asked me to extend her thanks to our colleagues, Representatives Turner, Speier, Morelle, and Raskin, for joining her to introduce it for consideration within this landmark legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Additionally, she is grateful to House Judiciary Committee leadership for their support, and to Senators McCaskill and Johnson for shepherding a similar bill through the Senate last year. Madam Chair, we know the #MeToo movement continues to shed a light on the disturbing prevalence of sexual violence in our country. For survivors, it has been a powerful and moving reminder that they are not alone. For all of us, it has been a wake-up call that the status quo is unacceptable and will not be tolerated anymore. In order to fully understand the scope of the challenge we face, we need reliable, transparent data. The Federal Government has a critical role to play to that end. We have tremendous confidence that better communication amongst these agencies, coupled with thoughtfully harmonized terminology and categorization, will yield more accurate data. Armed with that knowledge, we can better prevent and end the scourge of sexual violence. Madam Chair, I urge support of Ms. Kuster's amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MENG. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng). The amendment was agreed to. Announcement by the Acting Chair The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to clause 6 of rule XVIII, proceedings will now resume on those amendments printed in part B of House Report 116-32 on which further proceedings were postponed, in the following order: Amendment No. 1 by Mr. Jeffries of New York. Amendment No. 2 by Ms. Scanlon of Pennsylvania. Amendment No. 7 by Ms. Waters of California. Amendment No. 10 by Mrs. Wagner of Missouri. The Chair will reduce to 2 minutes the minimum time for any electronic vote after the first vote in this series. Amendment No. 1 Offered by Mr. Jeffries The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on amendment No. 1 offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment. Recorded Vote The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote has been demanded. A recorded vote was ordered. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 363, noes 67, not voting 7, as follows: [Roll No. 147] AYES--363 Adams Aderholt Aguilar Allred Amodei Armstrong Arrington Axne Bacon Balderson Barragan Bass Beatty Bera Bergman Beyer Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Blumenauer Blunt Rochester Bonamici Bost Boyle, Brendan F. Brady Brindisi Brooks (IN) Brown (MD) Brownley (CA) Buchanan Buck Bucshon Bustos Butterfield Byrne Calvert Carbajal Cardenas Carson (IN) Carter (GA) Cartwright Case Casten (IL) Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu, Judy Cicilline Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins (GA) Collins (NY) Comer Conaway Connolly Cook Cooper Correa Costa Courtney Cox (CA) Craig Crawford Crenshaw Crist Crow Cuellar Cummings Cunningham Curtis Davids (KS) Davidson (OH) Davis (CA) Davis, Danny K. Davis, Rodney Dean DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Delgado Demings DeSaulnier Deutch Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Doyle, Michael F. Duffy Dunn Emmer Engel Escobar Eshoo Espaillat Evans Finkenauer Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flores Fortenberry Foster Foxx (NC) Frankel Fudge Fulcher Gabbard Gallagher Gallego Garamendi Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gianforte Gibbs Golden Gomez Gonzalez (OH) Gonzalez (TX) Gonzalez-Colon (PR) Gottheimer Graves (MO) Green (TX) Griffith Grijalva Guest Guthrie Haaland Hagedorn Harder (CA) Hartzler Hastings Hayes Heck Herrera Beutler Higgins (LA) Higgins (NY) Hill (AR) Hill (CA) Himes Hollingsworth Horn, Kendra S. Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hurd (TX) Jackson Lee Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (OH) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kaptur Katko Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy Khanna Kildee Kilmer Kim Kind King (NY) Kinzinger Kirkpatrick Krishnamoorthi Kuster (NH) Kustoff (TN) LaHood LaMalfa Lamb Lamborn Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latta Lawrence Lawson (FL) Lee (CA) Lee (NV) Levin (CA) Levin (MI) Lewis Lieu, Ted Lipinski Loebsack Lofgren Long Lowenthal Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Luria Lynch Malinowski Maloney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Sean Marchant Marshall Mast Matsui McAdams McBath McCarthy McCaul McCollum McGovern McHenry McNerney Meeks Meng Mitchell Moolenaar Moore Morelle Moulton Mucarsel-Powell Mullin Murphy Nadler Napolitano Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norton Nunes O'Halleran Ocasio-Cortez Olson Omar Pallone [[Page H3044]] Palmer Panetta Pappas Pascrell Perlmutter Peters Peterson Phillips Pingree Plaskett Pocan Porter Pressley Price (NC) Quigley Raskin Reed Reschenthaler Rice (NY) Rice (SC) Richmond Riggleman Roby Rodgers (WA) Roe, David P. Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose (NY) Rouda Rouzer Roybal-Allard Ruiz Ruppersberger Rush Sablan San Nicolas Sanchez Sarbanes Scanlon Schakowsky Schiff Schneider Schrader Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sewell (AL) Shalala Sherman Sherrill Shimkus Simpson Sires Slotkin Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Soto Spanberger Spano Speier Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Stevens Stewart Stivers Suozzi Swalwell (CA) Takano Taylor Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Timmons Tipton Titus Tlaib Tonko Torres (CA) Torres Small (NM) Trahan Trone Turner Underwood Upton Van Drew Vargas Veasey Vela Velazquez Visclosky Wagner Walberg Walden Walorski Waltz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watkins Watson Coleman Welch Wenstrup Westerman Wexton Wild Williams Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Woodall Yarmuth Young NOES--67 Abraham Allen Amash Babin Baird Banks Barr Biggs Bishop (UT) Brooks (AL) Budd Burchett Burgess Carter (TX) Chabot Cheney Cline Cloud DesJarlais Duncan Estes Ferguson Gaetz Gohmert Gooden Gosar Granger Graves (GA) Graves (LA) Green (TN) Grothman Harris Hern, Kevin Hice (GA) Hunter Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) King (IA) Lesko Loudermilk Massie McClintock McKinley Meadows Meuser Miller Mooney (WV) Norman Palazzo Pence Perry Posey Ratcliffe Rose, John W. Roy Scalise Scott, Austin Steube Walker Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Wright Yoho Zeldin NOT VOTING--7 Holding McEachin Payne Radewagen Rooney (FL) Rutherford Ryan {time} 1723 Mr. GOODEN, Mrs. MILLER, Messrs. GAETZ, JOHNSON of South Dakota, CLINE, BUDD, JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee, GROTHMAN, ABRAHAM, and LOUDERMILK changed their vote from ``aye'' to ``no.'' Messrs. PALMER, REED, TIPTON, HIGGINS of Louisiana, MAST, and McHENRY changed their vote from ``no'' to ``aye.'' So the amendment was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Stated for: Mr. HOLDING. Madam Chair, I was inadvertently detained during roll call No. 147. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 147. Amendment No. 2 Offered by Ms. Scanlon The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Scanlon) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment. Recorded Vote The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote has been demanded. A recorded vote was ordered. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 394, noes 36, not voting 7, as follows: [Roll No. 148] AYES--394 Abraham Adams Aderholt Aguilar Allen Allred Amodei Armstrong Arrington Axne Bacon Baird Balderson Barr Barragan Bass Beatty Bera Bergman Beyer Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Blumenauer Blunt Rochester Bonamici Bost Boyle, Brendan F. Brady Brindisi Brooks (IN) Brown (MD) Brownley (CA) Buchanan Bucshon Budd Burchett Burgess Bustos Butterfield Byrne Calvert Carbajal Cardenas Carson (IN) Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Cartwright Case Casten (IL) Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chabot Cheney Chu, Judy Cicilline Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Cloud Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins (GA) Collins (NY) Comer Conaway Connolly Cook Cooper Correa Costa Courtney Cox (CA) Craig Crawford Crenshaw Crist Crow Cuellar Cummings Cunningham Curtis Davids (KS) Davidson (OH) Davis (CA) Davis, Danny K. Davis, Rodney Dean DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Delgado Demings DeSaulnier DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Doyle, Michael F. Duffy Dunn Emmer Engel Escobar Eshoo Espaillat Estes Evans Ferguson Finkenauer Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flores Fortenberry Foster Foxx (NC) Frankel Fudge Fulcher Gabbard Gallagher Gallego Garamendi Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gianforte Gomez Gonzalez (OH) Gonzalez (TX) Gonzalez-Colon (PR) Gooden Gottheimer Granger Graves (LA) Graves (MO) Green (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Haaland Hagedorn Harder (CA) Hartzler Hastings Hayes Heck Hern, Kevin Herrera Beutler Higgins (NY) Hill (AR) Hill (CA) Himes Holding Hollingsworth Horn, Kendra S. Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hurd (TX) Jackson Lee Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (OH) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kaptur Katko Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy Khanna Kildee Kilmer Kim Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kinzinger Kirkpatrick Krishnamoorthi Kuster (NH) Kustoff (TN) LaHood LaMalfa Lamb Lamborn Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Latta Lawrence Lawson (FL) Lee (CA) Lee (NV) Levin (CA) Levin (MI) Lewis Lieu, Ted Lipinski Loebsack Lofgren Long Loudermilk Lowenthal Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Luria Lynch Malinowski Maloney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Sean Marchant Marshall Matsui McAdams McBath McCarthy McCaul McCollum McGovern McHenry McKinley McNerney Meadows Meeks Meng Meuser Miller Moolenaar Mooney (WV) Moore Morelle Moulton Mucarsel-Powell Mullin Murphy Nadler Napolitano Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norman Norton Nunes O'Halleran Ocasio-Cortez Olson Omar Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Pascrell Pence Perlmutter Perry Peters Peterson Phillips Pingree Plaskett Pocan Porter Posey Pressley Price (NC) Quigley Raskin Reed Reschenthaler Rice (NY) Rice (SC) Richmond Riggleman Roby Rodgers (WA) Roe, David P. Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose (NY) Rose, John W. Rouda Rouzer Roybal-Allard Ruiz Ruppersberger Rush Sablan San Nicolas Sanchez Sarbanes Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schiff Schneider Schrader Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sewell (AL) Shalala Sherman Sherrill Shimkus Simpson Sires Slotkin Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Soto Spanberger Spano Speier Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Stevens Stewart Stivers Suozzi Swalwell (CA) Takano Taylor Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Timmons Tipton Titus Tlaib Tonko Torres (CA) Torres Small (NM) Trahan Trone Turner Underwood Upton Van Drew Vargas Veasey Vela Velazquez Visclosky Wagner Walberg Walden Walker Walorski Waltz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watkins Watson Coleman Webster (FL) Welch Wenstrup Westerman Wexton Wild Williams Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Woodall Yarmuth NOES--36 Amash Babin Banks Biggs Brooks (AL) Buck Cline Duncan Gaetz Gibbs Gohmert Golden Gosar Graves (GA) Green (TN) Harris Hice (GA) Higgins (LA) Hunter Jordan Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Lesko Massie Mast McClintock Mitchell Palazzo Ratcliffe Roy Steube Weber (TX) Wright Yoho Young Zeldin NOT VOTING--7 Bishop (UT) McEachin Payne Radewagen Rooney (FL) Rutherford Ryan Announcement by the Acting Chair The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. {time} 1729 So the amendment was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Amendment No. 7 Offered by Ms. Waters The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Waters) on which further proceedings [[Page H3045]] were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment. Recorded Vote The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote has been demanded. A recorded vote was ordered. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 258, noes 173, not voting 6, as follows: [Roll No. 149] AYES--258 Adams Aguilar Allred Axne Bacon Barragan Bass Beatty Bera Beyer Bishop (GA) Blumenauer Blunt Rochester Bonamici Boyle, Brendan F. Brindisi Brown (MD) Brownley (CA) Bustos Butterfield Carbajal Cardenas Carson (IN) Cartwright Case Casten (IL) Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chu, Judy Cicilline Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Clyburn Cohen Collins (NY) Connolly Cooper Correa Costa Courtney Cox (CA) Craig Crist Crow Cuellar Cummings Cunningham Davids (KS) Davis (CA) Davis, Danny K. Davis, Rodney Dean DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Delgado Demings DeSaulnier Deutch Dingell Doggett Doyle, Michael F. Engel Escobar Eshoo Espaillat Evans Finkenauer Fitzpatrick Fletcher Fortenberry Foster Frankel Fudge Gabbard Gallego Garamendi Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gianforte Golden Gomez Gonzalez (OH) Gonzalez (TX) Gottheimer Green (TX) Grijalva Haaland Harder (CA) Hastings Hayes Heck Higgins (NY) Hill (CA) Himes Horn, Kendra S. Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Huffman Hurd (TX) Jackson Lee Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (TX) Joyce (OH) Kaptur Katko Keating Kelly (IL) Kennedy Khanna Kildee Kilmer Kim Kind King (NY) Kirkpatrick Krishnamoorthi Kuster (NH) Lamb Langevin Larsen (WA) Larson (CT) Lawrence Lawson (FL) Lee (CA) Lee (NV) Levin (CA) Levin (MI) Lewis Lieu, Ted Lipinski Loebsack Lofgren Lowenthal Lowey Lujan Luria Lynch Malinowski Maloney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Sean Matsui McAdams McBath McCollum McGovern McNerney Meeks Meng Moore Morelle Moulton Mucarsel-Powell Mullin Murphy Nadler Napolitano Neal Neguse Norcross Norton O'Halleran Ocasio-Cortez Omar Pallone Panetta Pappas Pascrell Perlmutter Peters Peterson Phillips Pingree Plaskett Pocan Porter Pressley Price (NC) Quigley Raskin Reed Rice (NY) Richmond Rose (NY) Rouda Roybal-Allard Ruiz Ruppersberger Rush Sablan San Nicolas Sanchez Sarbanes Scanlon Schakowsky Schiff Schneider Schrader Schrier Scott (VA) Scott, David Serrano Sewell (AL) Shalala Sherman Sherrill Simpson Sires Slotkin Smith (MO) Smith (WA) Soto Spanberger Speier Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Stevens Stivers Suozzi Swalwell (CA) Takano Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Titus Tlaib Tonko Torres (CA) Torres Small (NM) Trahan Trone Turner Underwood Upton Van Drew Vargas Veasey Vela Velazquez Visclosky Wagner Walden Wasserman Schultz Waters Watson Coleman Welch Wexton Wild Wilson (FL) Yarmuth NOES--173 Abraham Aderholt Allen Amash Amodei Armstrong Arrington Babin Baird Balderson Banks Barr Bergman Biggs Bilirakis Bishop (UT) Bost Brady Brooks (AL) Brooks (IN) Buchanan Buck Bucshon Budd Burchett Burgess Byrne Calvert Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Chabot Cheney Cline Cloud Cole Collins (GA) Comer Conaway Cook Crawford Crenshaw Curtis Davidson (OH) DesJarlais Diaz-Balart Duffy Duncan Dunn Emmer Estes Ferguson Fleischmann Flores Foxx (NC) Fulcher Gaetz Gallagher Gibbs Gohmert Gonzalez-Colon (PR) Gooden Gosar Granger Graves (GA) Graves (LA) Graves (MO) Green (TN) Griffith Grothman Guest Guthrie Hagedorn Harris Hartzler Hern, Kevin Herrera Beutler Hice (GA) Higgins (LA) Hill (AR) Holding Hollingsworth Hudson Huizenga Hunter Johnson (LA) Johnson (OH) Johnson (SD) Jordan Joyce (PA) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) King (IA) Kinzinger Kustoff (TN) LaHood LaMalfa Lamborn Latta Lesko Long Loudermilk Lucas Luetkemeyer Marchant Marshall Massie Mast McCarthy McCaul McClintock McHenry McKinley Meadows Meuser Miller Mitchell Moolenaar Mooney (WV) Newhouse Norman Nunes Olson Palazzo Palmer Pence Perry Posey Ratcliffe Reschenthaler Rice (SC) Riggleman Roby Rodgers (WA) Roe, David P. Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose, John W. Rouzer Roy Scalise Schweikert Scott, Austin Sensenbrenner Shimkus Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smucker Spano Steube Stewart Taylor Thompson (PA) Thornberry Timmons Tipton Walberg Walker Walorski Waltz Watkins Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Wenstrup Westerman Williams Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Woodall Wright Yoho Young Zeldin NOT VOTING--6 McEachin Payne Radewagen Rooney (FL) Rutherford Ryan Announcement by the Acting Chair The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. {time} 1735 Mr. CARTER of Georgia changed his vote from ``aye'' to ``no.'' So the amendment was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Amendment No. 10 Offered by Mrs. Wagner The Acting CHAIR. The unfinished business is the demand for a recorded vote on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. Wagner) on which further proceedings were postponed and on which the ayes prevailed by voice vote. The Clerk will redesignate the amendment. The Clerk redesignated the amendment. Recorded Vote The Acting CHAIR. A recorded vote has been demanded. A recorded vote was ordered. The Acting CHAIR. This will be a 2-minute vote. The vote was taken by electronic device, and there were--ayes 429, noes 0, not voting 8, as follows: [Roll No. 150] AYES--429 Abraham Adams Aderholt Aguilar Allen Allred Amash Amodei Armstrong Arrington Axne Babin Bacon Baird Balderson Banks Barr Barragan Bass Beatty Bera Bergman Beyer Biggs Bilirakis Bishop (GA) Bishop (UT) Blumenauer Blunt Rochester Bonamici Bost Boyle, Brendan F. Brady Brindisi Brooks (AL) Brooks (IN) Brown (MD) Brownley (CA) Buchanan Buck Bucshon Budd Burchett Burgess Bustos Butterfield Byrne Calvert Carbajal Cardenas Carson (IN) Carter (GA) Carter (TX) Cartwright Case Casten (IL) Castor (FL) Castro (TX) Chabot Cheney Chu, Judy Cicilline Cisneros Clark (MA) Clarke (NY) Clay Cleaver Cline Cloud Clyburn Cohen Cole Collins (GA) Collins (NY) Comer Conaway Connolly Cook Cooper Correa Costa Cox (CA) Craig Crawford Crenshaw Crist Crow Cuellar Cummings Cunningham Curtis Davids (KS) Davidson (OH) Davis (CA) Davis, Danny K. Davis, Rodney Dean DeFazio DeGette DeLauro DelBene Delgado Demings DeSaulnier DesJarlais Deutch Diaz-Balart Dingell Doggett Doyle, Michael F. Duffy Duncan Dunn Emmer Engel Escobar Eshoo Espaillat Estes Evans Ferguson Finkenauer Fitzpatrick Fleischmann Fletcher Flores Fortenberry Foster Foxx (NC) Frankel Fudge Fulcher Gabbard Gaetz Gallagher Gallego Garamendi Garcia (IL) Garcia (TX) Gianforte Gibbs Gohmert Golden Gomez Gonzalez (OH) Gonzalez (TX) Gonzalez-Colon (PR) Gooden Gosar Gottheimer Granger Graves (GA) Graves (LA) Graves (MO) Green (TN) Green (TX) Griffith Grijalva Grothman Guest Guthrie Haaland Hagedorn Harder (CA) Harris Hartzler Hastings Hayes Heck Hern, Kevin Herrera Beutler Hice (GA) Higgins (LA) Higgins (NY) Hill (AR) Hill (CA) Himes Holding Hollingsworth Horn, Kendra S. Horsford Houlahan Hoyer Hudson Huffman Huizenga Hunter Hurd (TX) Jackson Lee Jayapal Jeffries Johnson (GA) Johnson (LA) Johnson (OH) Johnson (SD) Johnson (TX) Jordan Joyce (OH) Joyce (PA) Kaptur Katko Keating Kelly (IL) Kelly (MS) Kelly (PA) Kennedy Khanna Kildee Kilmer Kim Kind King (IA) King (NY) Kinzinger Kirkpatrick Krishnamoorthi Kuster (NH) Kustoff (TN) LaHood LaMalfa Lamb Lamborn Langevin Larsen (WA) Latta Lawrence Lawson (FL) Lee (CA) Lee (NV) Lesko Levin (CA) Levin (MI) Lewis Lieu, Ted [[Page H3046]] Lipinski Loebsack Lofgren Long Loudermilk Lowenthal Lowey Lucas Luetkemeyer Lujan Luria Lynch Malinowski Maloney, Carolyn B. Maloney, Sean Marchant Marshall Massie Mast Matsui McAdams McBath McCarthy McCaul McClintock McCollum McGovern McHenry McKinley McNerney Meadows Meeks Meng Meuser Miller Mitchell Moolenaar Mooney (WV) Moore Morelle Moulton Mucarsel-Powell Mullin Murphy Nadler Napolitano Neal Neguse Newhouse Norcross Norman Norton Nunes O'Halleran Ocasio-Cortez Olson Omar Palazzo Pallone Palmer Panetta Pappas Pascrell Pence Perlmutter Perry Peters Peterson Phillips Pingree Plaskett Pocan Porter Posey Pressley Price (NC) Quigley Raskin Ratcliffe Reed Reschenthaler Rice (NY) Rice (SC) Richmond Riggleman Roby Rodgers (WA) Roe, David P. Rogers (AL) Rogers (KY) Rose (NY) Rose, John W. Rouda Rouzer Roy Roybal-Allard Ruiz Ruppersberger Rush Sablan San Nicolas Sanchez Sarbanes Scalise Scanlon Schakowsky Schiff Schneider Schrader Schrier Schweikert Scott (VA) Scott, Austin Scott, David Sensenbrenner Serrano Sewell (AL) Shalala Sherman Sherrill Shimkus Simpson Sires Slotkin Smith (MO) Smith (NE) Smith (NJ) Smith (WA) Smucker Soto Spanberger Spano Speier Stanton Stauber Stefanik Steil Steube Stevens Stewart Stivers Suozzi Swalwell (CA) Takano Taylor Thompson (CA) Thompson (MS) Thompson (PA) Thornberry Timmons Tipton Titus Tlaib Tonko Torres (CA) Torres Small (NM) Trahan Trone Turner Underwood Upton Van Drew Vargas Veasey Vela Velazquez Visclosky Wagner Walberg Walden Walker Walorski Waltz Wasserman Schultz Waters Watkins Watson Coleman Weber (TX) Webster (FL) Welch Wenstrup Westerman Wexton Wild Williams Wilson (FL) Wilson (SC) Wittman Womack Woodall Wright Yarmuth Yoho Young Zeldin NOT VOTING--8 Courtney Larson (CT) McEachin Payne Radewagen Rooney (FL) Rutherford Ryan Announcement by the Acting Chair The Acting CHAIR (during the vote). There is 1 minute remaining. {time} 1743 So the amendment was agreed to. The result of the vote was announced as above recorded. Amendment No. 17 Offered by Ms. Meng The Acting CHAIR (Mr. Malinowski). It is now in order to consider amendment No. 17 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 145, line 19, insert after ``parent'' the following: ``, and such classes shall be made available to prisoners with limited English proficiency in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, my amendment would ensure that incarcerated, pregnant prisoners who are primary caretaker parents and who have limited English proficiency will have access to parenting classes. Mr. Chair, we know that at the end of 2016 there were over 111,000 women in prisons across our country. That is a nearly 750 percent increase from 1980. Women are the fastest growing population of incarcerated individuals in our country. Our Nation has 4 percent of the world's female population, but 30 percent of its female incarcerated population. We also know that women of color are significantly overrepresented in our criminal justice system. In fact, two-thirds of women in jail are women of color. Additionally, a recent study published just 2 weeks ago in the American Journal of Public Health found that, during their 1-year study of rates of pregnancy and outcomes among women in prison in 22 States and the Federal system, almost 1,400 pregnant women were admitted to prison. Given the intersection of these data points, my amendment ensures that parenting classes be accessible to those incarcerated women with limited English proficiency. The Bureau of Prisons already provides certain parenting classes for pregnant incarcerated individuals. They include the Mother and Infants Nursing Together, MINT, program; and the Residential Parenting Program. The MINT program teaches parenting skills to facilitate mother-child bonding and provides the tools to help build a stable home environment upon release. The Residential Parenting Program at the Washington State Department of Corrections allows Bureau of Prison incarcerated women and their infants to participate in the program. Studies show that these programs are significant for incarcerated females and their families, as they can play important roles in successful reentry into society. Under my amendment, all pregnant incarcerated women or incarcerated moms will be able to better provide for their children no matter what language they speak. The BOP's incarcerated female population is incredibly diverse, with many ethnicities and many foreign countries represented, but no one should be denied the chance to be the best parent they can be simply because they are non-English speaking. Mr. Chair, I thank my good friend Congresswoman Karen Bass as well as Congressman Fitzpatrick for their leadership in shepherding this landmark legislation. The 2019 reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act responds to our Nation's crisis of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Mr. Chair, I urge support for my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I am not necessarily opposed to the goal of the amendment. In fact, I understand the amendment. I appreciate the gentlewoman bringing it. I have supported similar programs in the FIRST STEP Act. The thing here is that this amendment is not necessary because, in the underlying bill, it already provides for parenting classes and resources. I appreciate the gentlewoman bringing it. I don't necessarily have a problem with it, except it is already there. So, offering this amendment is fine, but I just, at this point, would just say it is already there. I have supported similar programs before. I appreciate the gentlewoman's concern in this, and we would agree on that. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chairman, we just want to make sure that no one is denied the chance to bond with their newborn or child simply because they don't speak the language. This amendment ensures compliance with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving Federal financial assistance. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, again, understanding the concerns, all this is already, frankly, covered. It is covered in the underlying bill, but it is also covered in other programs. In going through some of these--and I know we have got a couple more--in some of these amendments, anything that takes funding away that would go from regular programs would be of concern, but I am happy to work with my colleagues to address these issues in other areas. I just don't think VAWA, probably, is the best way, but I appreciate the gentlewoman's concern. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 18 Offered by Ms. Meng The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 18 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. [[Page H3047]] Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 153, line 25, strike ``and'' at the end. Page 153, after line 25, insert the following (and redesignate other provisions accordingly): (F) develop tools to communicate parenting program availability and eligibility criteria to each employee of the Bureau of Prisons and each pregnant inmate to ensure that each pregnant inmate in the custody of a Bureau of Prisons facility understands the resources available to such inmate; and The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, this amendment would ensure that our Federal prison develops tools to communicate parenting program availability and eligibility criteria to each employee of the Bureau of Prisons and each pregnant incarcerated woman so that each of these women in the custody of a Bureau of Prisons facility understands the resources available to them. Mr. Chair, we know that women are the fastest growing population in the criminal justice system. Only 5 percent of the world's female population lives in the U.S., but they account for nearly 30 percent of the world's incarcerated women. That is an injustice to not only those incarcerated but to their families, our economy, and our society as a whole. According to Prison Policy Initiative, 80 percent of the women who will go to jail this year are moms, including nearly 150,000 women who are pregnant when they are admitted, and many of these women are the primary caretaker of their family. This means that the impact of their incarceration reaches far beyond the prison system. As we incarcerate women, we are also incarcerating their families. Currently, the BOP does offer some programs to women who are moms or soon-to-be mothers. Mothers and Infants Nursing Together, otherwise known as MINT, is offered to moms who are pregnant at the time of commitment. Participating mothers can enroll in pre- and postnatal classes on childbirth, parenting, and coping skills. This program offers the chance for mothers to acquire parenting skills and bond with their infant after birth. The Residential Parenting Program offered by the Washington State Department of Corrections' Residential Parenting Program gives its participants and their infants the opportunity to reside in the minimum security unit for up to 30 months after birth. Mr. Chair, these programs are important resources to pregnant mothers and parents who are incarcerated. In fact, participants of the MINT program have reported that the program has helped them learn important parenting skills and develop a bond with their infants. However, the September 2018 Department of Justice's OIG review of the Federal Bureau of Prisons' management of its female inmate population found that BOP's pregnancy programs were underutilized. Between fiscal years 2012 and 2016, there were 951 pregnant incarcerated women in BOP's custody, 558 of whom were in institutions designed to house sentenced inmates. Of these 558 sentenced pregnant inmates, they estimate that only 204 participated in MINT or the Residential Parenting Program. That is, only 37 percent were in these parenting and pregnancy programs. The reasons were varied. Incarcerated mothers who may be eligible for the programs are often not identified as being eligible. While social workers are responsible for informing inmates of these opportunities, social worker positions often remain vacant. Many staff did not fully understand the eligibility criteria for the Mothers and Infants Nursing Together program, and, even more surprising, some staff were entirely unaware of these programs' existence. These are valuable programs that need to be reaching more people. This amendment directs the Bureau of Prisons to develop tools to better communicate the availability of these programs and their eligibility criteria to inmates. With these improvements, incarcerated individuals will be empowered to better utilize the resources made available to them. Mr. Chair, I urge support for the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1800 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, again, I have been on this side, and I would love to see more cooperation, especially since this is one of the areas I do believe, Mr. Chair, we can actually have agreement on. The chairman and I have talked about this a great deal, and others, members of our Judiciary Committee. The FIRST STEP Act, criminal justice reform is something that I have been working on for many years. I think the issue of women incarceration is definitely something that needs to be looked at. Again, my concern with this program is the diversion of dollars that go through these programs to programs that already exist, and I am not sure how we are prioritizing these anymore. Even the numbers given were based over a number-of-years period, not a single-year period. When we were doing the FIRST STEP Act and doing some of the incarceration numbers, these numbers were a lot lower in the Federal prison of those actually pregnant at the time. So again, I don't, by any means, demean or try to talk badly about an amendment in the sense that it is not intended well. I think the problem is the underlying issues are already there. The underlying stuff is there. I appreciate her bringing that out. We just disagree that this would be the place to do this. There are other places we could work on this, and I think criminal justice reform is a great place to put this. I do commend the gentlewoman for bringing it. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman's comments. Again, only 37 percent of pregnant inmates utilize these programs. I think that it is very common sense to make sure that more people are aware of these programs, both staff employees and those who are incarcerated. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York. The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 19 Offered by Ms. Meng The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 19 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 145, line 21, insert after ``training'' the following: ``, including cultural competency training,''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New York. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, my amendment would ensure that cultural competency training is included in trauma screening trainings provided to correctional officers and each Bureau of Prisons employee, including instructors and healthcare professionals. Estimates suggest that as many as 90 percent of incarcerated women have experienced some sort of trauma such as interpersonal or sexual violence in their lives. Female inmates are more likely to have been the victims of direct violence, repeated sexual violence, and intimate partner violence. We also know that trauma is experienced in different ways, depending on the individual's gender identity, culture, and past experiences. The BOP's incarcerated female population is incredibly diverse, with many ethnicities, approximately 30 religions, and women from all 50 States and many foreign countries represented. [[Page H3048]] Studies show that trauma treatment programs should be administered and facilitated during the first 12 months of the incarcerated individual's sentence so as to maximize the benefits of these programs. Research also shows that the effects of trauma manifest themselves differently for incarcerated women and men. This manifestation is further compounded by the individual's cultural background. Incarcerated individuals with limited English proficiency have unique challenges in interaction with correctional officers. This is also true for LGBT incarcerated individuals who have experienced injustice and violence in very specific ways. In order to address the past trauma of inmates, the BOP has tried to adopt a ``trauma-informed correctional care approach.'' Under this method, the actions of staff are centered on the understanding that trauma is real and prevalent, and opportunities to avoid retraumatizing inmates are an opportunity for healing. This approach also includes several principles which seek to ensure the psychological and emotional safety of those incarcerated individuals and staff, and use communication methods that avoid triggering memories of past trauma. And yet testimony from formerly incarcerated women illustrates that correction staff in women's facilities still often fail to receive trauma-informed and gender-responsive training, let alone culturally competent training. Correctional officers, healthcare professionals, and other staff members must be adequately trained on methods of trauma-informed care that address the needs of incarcerated individuals. The trauma screenings must equip each BOP employee to be mindful of the unique culturally rooted trauma of incarcerated individuals. A better understand of these needs allows correctional officers and instructors to provide the most effective care possible. Such training would ensure that correctional staff respond to incarcerated individuals in productive and impactful ways. In other words, these officials will be able to provide trauma- informed care to those who have limited English proficiency, come from diverse backgrounds, or live with disabilities, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The dignity of an incarcerated individual must be honored and upheld, and ensuring the proper training of employees to interact with them would be a significant first step. I urge support for the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, but I am not necessarily opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. I reserve the balance of my time. Ms. MENG. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 20 Offered by Ms. Plaskett The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 20 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 29, strike lines 3 through 7, and insert the following: SEC. 201. SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES PROGRAM. Section 41601 of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12511) is amended-- (1) in subsection (b)(4), by striking ``0.25 percent'' and inserting ``0.5 percent''; and (2) in subsection (f)(1), by striking ``2014 through 2018'' and inserting ``2020 through 2024''. Page 79, line 19, strike ``and''. Page 79, line 21, strike the period at the end and insert ``; and''. Page 79, insert after line 21 the following: (C) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``0.25 percent'' and inserting ``0.5 percent''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands. Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, the Violence Against Women Act is the cornerstone of our Nation's response to domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. VAWA's community response model helps abuse victims find safety and receive services, while holding thousands of perpetrators accountable for their actions. I would like to commend Congresswoman Karen Bass, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and leadership for their commitment to making this legislation a priority of this Congress. Mr. Chair, the U.S. territories, including my district of the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa, are eligible for the Violence Against Women Act programs under the Departments of Justice and Health and Human Services. For example, the Sexual Assault Services Formula Grant authorized under VAWA provides funding to support rape crisis centers and assist individuals who have been sexually assaulted. The Office on Violence Against Women awards no less than 1.5 percent of the total amount appropriated for the program to each State, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands are awarded a base amount of 1 quarter of 1 percent of the total appropriation. In fiscal years 2017-2018, the smaller territories each received just $60,000 in funding under the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program. My amendment would double the minimum amount made available to these U.S. territories under the program. This funding is sorely needed at this time. According to mental health professionals in the Virgin Islands, a recent increase in domestic violence cases can partially be attributed to the residual stress of the disastrous hurricanes of 2017. Even before this uptick, however, the territories were massively underequipped to shelter and protect the victims of violence, and the situation has only worsened since. Mr. Chair, my amendment would similarly double the minimum amount made available to the small territories for transitional housing services, including housing for victims for whom emergency shelter services are unavailable or insufficient and to move individuals into permanent housing. In the Virgin Islands, assistance for emergency and transitional housing is crucially important, as the territory has seen housing costs skyrocket since the aforementioned disasters. Without this assistance, many women have no hope of escaping life-threatening situations. There is currently one domestic violence and abuse program on St. Thomas offering a hotline and emergency shelter. On the island of St. Croix, there is one program which offers a hotline and emergency shelter to victims. Undeniably, there is a need for more funding to provide additional services. This amendment takes a positive step towards addressing the additional funding needs to adequately assist and protect women and children of the Virgin Islands and other territories who lived through the horror of violence this bill seeks to protect them from. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Women's Coalition and the Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council on St. Croix and the Family Resource Center on St. Thomas for their passionate and continued work to provide services and training on prevention to the victims of abuse and their families. I would also like to acknowledge and thank my colleague across the aisle, Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen of American Samoa, for cosponsoring this amendment to improve services for women and children in the U.S. island territories. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman [[Page H3049]] from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon). Miss GONZALEZ-COLON of Puerto Rico. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the bipartisan amendment presented by my friends Stacey Plaskett and Amata Radewagen. As my friend just mentioned, the smaller territories are facing a challenge in the limited funds they receive to address such a large and horrific issue. Federal funds to fight violence against women and support survivors cannot be based on the ZIP Code or where you live. I do believe that any kind of violence must be addressed, regardless of the State or the territory the people are living in, giving the survivors the same access to services, intervention, and assistance. In the fiscal years 2017 and 2018, these four territories--we are talking about the Northern Marianas, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam--received less than $60,000 to aid victims of domestic violence; and, simply put, this was not enough. I am speaking also on behalf of my friend, Amata Radewagen, for American Samoa. And I do say that, as more women step out of the shadows to seek the assistance they need, it is our job in the Federal Government to be able to provide the tools and resources to the organizations and, more importantly, to the victims themselves. Congress must rework the formula grant to allow these four territories access to additional funds. I encourage all my colleagues to support this amendment, and I am supporting the amendment as well. Ms. PLASKETT. Mr. Chair, I just want to thank my colleague and my good friend--indeed, my sister--from the neighboring island of Puerto Rico for her support of this legislation and, as a member of the larger island, speaking on behalf of the smaller islands and territories. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands (Ms. Plaskett). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 21 Offered by Mr. Bera The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 21 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 28, insert after line 24 the following: SEC. 108. ENHANCING CULTURALLY SPECIFIC SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, AND STALKING. Section 121(a) of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (34 U.S.C. 20124(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: ``(3) Additional authorization of appropriations.--In addition to the amounts made available under paragraph (1), there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. BERA. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. My amendment is simple. It would increase the authorized funding level for grants that support the development of culturally specific services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Domestic violence is a devastating reality for many women, and this is particularly the case in our AAPI communities. A survey done in 2015 estimated that 40 to 60 percent of AAPI women experience physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. However, the unfortunate stigma of these events within the AAPI community means that a lot of these survivors do not seek help afterwards or even report these incidents in the first place. {time} 1815 Yet when I think about my own community, the South Asian community and Native American community, we have had some devastating cases. You have generational divides here where there is an older generation that doesn't allow folks to talk about this. You have arranged marriages where a bride may travel thousands of miles and have no family resources, have no ability to talk about it. We have got to address this issue. We have got to make it okay for folks to come out of the shadows. That is why, while it is important to expand access to these services, it is just as critical that the person can feel comfortable seeking out these services. Often, that means they are able to get help from someone who looks like them and understands their cultural background. Providing these resources in a culturally appropriate context can help survivors feel supported and heard. My amendment would increase the funding for grants that support organizations that provide critical services and resources to communities of color. Lastly, I want to thank my colleague, Congresswoman Karen Bass, for her work on this reauthorization. I am pleased that we have the opportunity to strengthen these programs. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and support the underlying bill, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, again, I appreciate the gentleman's concern. My concern is that the underlying bill already addresses this with sufficient funding. This amendment or anything like it was not offered in committee and not brought up in the discussions of this. I don't doubt the sincerity of the need in this, but we do believe that the underlying bill would cover it, so for that reason, I would oppose it. I appreciate the gentleman's concern, and I am sure there are other ways that we could work it out, but we do believe the bill itself would cover that. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. BERA. Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to close. My amendment would increase support for communities of color who face domestic and sexual violence in our country and allow them to access critical support services in a culturally appropriate context. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment and the underlying bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Bera). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 22 Offered by Mr. Gallego The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 22 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 136, insert after line 9 the following (and amend the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 905. REPORT ON THE RESPONSE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES TO REPORTS OF MISSING OR MURDERED INDIANS. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Covered database.--The term ``covered database'' means-- (A) the database of the National Crime Information Center; (B) the Combined DNA Index System; (C) the Next Generation Identification System; and (D) any other database or system of a law enforcement agency under which a report of a missing or murdered Indian may be submitted, including-- (i) the Violent Criminal Apprehension Program; or (ii) the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. (2) Indian.--The term ``Indian'' has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (3) Indian country.--The term ``Indian country'' has the meaning given the term in section 1151 of title 18, United States Code. (4) Law enforcement agency.--The term ``law enforcement agency'' means a Federal, State, local, or Tribal law enforcement agency. [[Page H3050]] (5) Missing or murdered indian.--The term ``missing or murdered Indian'' means any Indian who is-- (A) reported missing in Indian country or any other location; or (B) murdered in Indian country or any other location. (6) Notification system.--The term ``notification system'' means-- (A) the Criminal Justice Information Network; (B) the AMBER Alert communications network established under subtitle A of title III of the PROTECT Act (34 U.S.C. 20501 et seq.); and (C) any other system or public notification system that relates to a report of a missing or murdered Indian, including any State, local, or Tribal notification system. (b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a comprehensive report that includes-- (1) a review of-- (A) each law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over missing or murdered Indians and the basis for that jurisdiction; (B) the response procedures, with respect to a report of a missing or murdered Indian, of-- (i) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; (ii) the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and (iii) any other Federal law enforcement agency responsible for responding to or investigating a report of a missing or murdered Indian; (C) each covered database and notification system; (D) Federal interagency cooperation and notification policies and procedures related to missing or murdered Indians; (E) the requirements of each Federal law enforcement agency relating to notifying State, local, or Tribal law enforcement agencies after the Federal law enforcement agency receives a report of a missing or murdered Indian; and (F) the public notification requirements of law enforcement agencies relating to missing or murdered Indians; (2) recommendations and best practices relating to improving cooperation between and response policies of law enforcement agencies relating to missing and murdered Indians; and (3) recommendations relating to-- (A) improving how-- (i) covered databases address instances of missing or murdered Indians, including by improving access to, integrating, and improving the sharing of information between covered databases; and (ii) notification systems address instances of missing or murdered Indians, including by improving access to, integrating, and improving the sharing of information between notification systems; (B) social, educational, economic, and any other factor that may contribute to an Indian becoming a missing or murdered Indian; and (C) legislation to reduce the likelihood that an Indian may become a missing or murdered Indian. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. GALLEGO. Mr. Chair, my amendment to the Violence Against Women Act shines a light on a crisis that has been ignored for too long by this body: the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women. In Indian Country, American Indians and Alaska Native women experience murder rates ten times the national average. One study found that there were 5,712 reported cases of missing indigenous women in 2016. In reality, the numbers are even worse than this, because indigenous women are often underrepresented in national and local data. Just one example of the thousands of heartbreaking cases of missing and murdered women and girls is Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old Navajo girl. In 2016, Ashlynne and her 9-year-old brother, Ian, were tricked into accepting a ride home from a stranger while playing after school on the Navajo Reservation. When Ashlynne and Ian did not return home, her family contacted the authorities. Ian was eventually found a few hours later wandering on the side of a road. Friends and family members then mobilized a search party for Ashlynne and spread the news of her abduction through texts and social media. However, because of the jurisdictional issues, an official AMBER Alert wasn't issued until 12 hours after her disappearance. According to a study on children abductions by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, 76 percent of kidnapped children are killed within the first 3 hours. Eventually, Ashlynne's body was found by family members near a dirt road. Indigenous communities are demanding action on this crisis and justice for Native women and girls like Ashlynne. That is why last month, I was proud to hold the first ever hearing on missing and murdered indigenous women in the Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples of the United States. That is why today, I am proud to introduce this amendment as a first step towards solutions. We know the factors exacerbating this crisis are many. They include lack of resources, lack of coordination between law enforcement agencies, and jurisdictional challenges within our criminal justice system. My amendment would drill down on the nature and scope of these issues, so that we can take direct legislative action to fix them. It will give us the tools to give Tribes the resources and support they need to combat horrific violence directed at their communities. This amendment is identical to the bipartisan Studying the Missing and Murdered Indian Crisis Act that I introduced earlier this week and that Senator Tester has introduced in the Senate. After hearing Ashlynne's story and knowing that there are thousands of women and girls who have suffered and died as a result of this crisis, I am sure that my colleagues will agree: Silence is not an option. Inaction is not an option. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Gallego). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 23 Offered by Ms. Clark of Massachusetts The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 23 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Add, at the end of the bill, the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): TITLE XV--CYBERCRIME ENFORCEMENT SEC. 1501. LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT GRANTS FOR ENFORCEMENT OF CYBERCRIMES. (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Attorney General shall award grants under this section to States and units of local government for the prevention, enforcement, and prosecution of cybercrimes against individuals. (b) Application.-- (1) In general.--To request a grant under this section, the chief executive officer of a State or unit of local government shall submit an application to the Attorney General within 90 days after the date on which funds to carry out this section are appropriated for a fiscal year, in such form as the Attorney General may require. Such application shall include the following: (A) A certification that Federal funds made available under this section will not be used to supplant State or local funds, but will be used to increase the amounts of such funds that would, in the absence of Federal funds, be made available for law enforcement activities. (B) An assurance that, not fewer than 30 days before the application (or any amendment to the application) was submitted to the Attorney General, the application (or amendment) was submitted for review to the governing body of the State or unit of local government (or to an organization designated by that governing body). (C) An assurance that, before the application (or any amendment to the application) was submitted to the Attorney General-- (i) the application (or amendment) was made public; and (ii) an opportunity to comment on the application (or amendment) was provided to citizens and to neighborhood or community-based organizations, to the extent applicable law or established procedure makes such an opportunity available. (D) An assurance that, for each fiscal year covered by an application, the applicant shall maintain and report such data, records, and information (programmatic and financial) as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (E) A certification, made in a form acceptable to the Attorney General and executed by the chief executive officer of the applicant (or by another officer of the applicant, if qualified under regulations promulgated by the Attorney General), that-- [[Page H3051]] (i) the programs to be funded by the grant meet all the requirements of this section; (ii) all the information contained in the application is correct; (iii) there has been appropriate coordination with affected agencies; and (iv) the applicant will comply with all provisions of this section and all other applicable Federal laws. (F) A certification that the State or in the case of a unit of local government, the State in which the unit of local government is located, has in effect criminal laws which prohibit cybercrimes against individuals. (G) A certification that any equipment described in subsection (c)(7) purchased using grant funds awarded under this section will be used primarily for investigations and forensic analysis of evidence in matters involving cybercrimes against individuals. (c) Use of Funds.--Grants awarded under this section may only be used for programs that provide-- (1) training for State or local law enforcement personnel relating to cybercrimes against individuals, including-- (A) training such personnel to identify and protect victims of cybercrimes against individuals; (B) training such personnel to utilize Federal, State, local, and other resources to assist victims of cybercrimes against individuals; (C) training such personnel to identify and investigate cybercrimes against individuals; (D) training such personnel to enforce and utilize the laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals; (E) training such personnel to utilize technology to assist in the investigation of cybercrimes against individuals and enforcement of laws that prohibit such crimes; and (F) the payment of overtime incurred as a result of such training; (2) training for State or local prosecutors, judges, and judicial personnel, relating to cybercrimes against individuals, including-- (A) training such personnel to identify, investigate, prosecute, or adjudicate cybercrimes against individuals; (B) training such personnel to utilize laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals; (C) training such personnel to utilize Federal, State, local, and other resources to assist victims of cybercrimes against individuals; and (D) training such personnel to utilize technology to assist in the prosecution or adjudication of acts of cybercrimes against individuals, including the use of technology to protect victims of such crimes; (3) training for State or local emergency dispatch personnel relating to cybercrimes against individuals, including-- (A) training such personnel to identify and protect victims of cybercrimes against individuals; (B) training such personnel to utilize Federal, State, local, and other resources to assist victims of cybercrimes against individuals; (C) training such personnel to utilize technology to assist in the identification of and response to cybercrimes against individuals; and (D) the payment of overtime incurred as a result of such training; (4) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies in enforcing laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals, including expenses incurred in performing enforcement operations, such as overtime payments; (5) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies in educating the public in order to prevent, deter, and identify violations of laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals; (6) assistance to State or local law enforcement agencies to establish task forces that operate solely to conduct investigations, forensic analyses of evidence, and prosecutions in matters involving cybercrimes against individuals; (7) assistance to State or local law enforcement and prosecutors in acquiring computers, computer equipment, and other equipment necessary to conduct investigations and forensic analysis of evidence in matters involving cybercrimes against individuals, including expenses incurred in the training, maintenance, or acquisition of technical updates necessary for the use of such equipment for the duration of a reasonable period of use of such equipment; (8) assistance in the facilitation and promotion of sharing, with State and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors, of the expertise and information of Federal law enforcement agencies about the investigation, analysis, and prosecution of matters involving laws that prohibit cybercrimes against individuals, including the use of multijurisdictional task forces; or (9) assistance to State and local law enforcement and prosecutors in processing interstate extradition requests for violations of laws involving cybercrimes against individuals, including expenses incurred in the extradition of an offender from one State to another. (d) Report to the Secretary.--On the date that is one year after the date on which a State or unit of local government receives a grant under this section, and annually thereafter, the chief executive of such State or unit of local government shall submit to the Attorney General a report which contains-- (1) a summary of the activities carried out during the previous year with any grant received by such State or unit of local government; (2) an evaluation of the results of such activities; and (3) such other information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (e) Report to Congress.--Not later than November 1 of each even-numbered fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report that contains a compilation of the information contained in the report submitted under subsection (d). (f) Authorization of Appropriations.-- (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (2) Limitation.--Of the amount made available under paragraph (1) in any fiscal year, not more than 5 percent may be used for evaluation, monitoring, technical assistance, salaries, and administrative expenses. (g) Definitions.--In this section: (1) The term ``cybercrimes against individuals'' means the criminal offenses applicable in the relevant State or unit of local government that involve the use of a computer to cause personal harm to an individual, such as the use of a computer to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, cause fear, intimidate, without consent distribute intimate images of, or violate the privacy of, an individual, except that-- (A) use of a computer need not be an element of such an offense; and (B) such term does not include the use of a computer to cause harm to a commercial entity, government agency, or any non-natural persons. (2) The term ``computer'' includes a computer network and an interactive electronic device. SEC. 1502. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER GRANT. (a) In General.--Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Attorney General shall award a grant under this section to an eligible entity for the purpose of the establishment and maintenance of a National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals to provide resource information, training, and technical assistance to improve the capacity of individuals, organizations, governmental entities, and communities to prevent, enforce, and prosecute cybercrimes against individuals. (b) Application.--To request a grant under this section, an eligible entity shall submit an application to the Attorney General not later than 90 days after the date on which funds to carry out this section are appropriated for fiscal year 2020 in such form as the Attorney General may require. Such application shall include the following: (1) An assurance that, for each fiscal year covered by an application, the applicant shall maintain and report such data, records, and information (programmatic and financial) as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (2) A certification, made in a form acceptable to the Attorney General, that-- (A) the programs funded by the grant meet all the requirements of this section; (B) all the information contained in the application is correct; and (C) the applicant will comply with all provisions of this section and all other applicable Federal laws. (c) Use of Funds.--The eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall use such amounts for the establishment and maintenance of a National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals, which shall-- (1) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance and training resources to Federal, State, and local governmental agencies, community-based organizations, and other professionals and interested parties, related to cybercrimes against individuals, including programs and research related to victims; (2) maintain a resource library which shall collect, prepare, analyze, and disseminate information and statistics related to-- (A) the incidence of cybercrimes against individuals; (B) the enforcement, and prosecution of laws relating to cybercrimes against individuals; and (C) the provision of supportive services and resources for victims of cybercrimes against individuals; and (3) conduct research related to-- (A) the causes of cybercrimes against individuals; (B) the effect of cybercrimes against individuals on victims of such crimes; and (C) model solutions to prevent or deter cybercrimes against individuals or to enforce the laws relating to cybercrimes against individuals. (d) Duration of Grant.-- (1) In general.--The grant awarded under this section shall be awarded for a period of 5 years. (2) Renewal.--A grant under this section may be renewed for additional 5-year periods if the Attorney General determines that the funds made available to the recipient were used in a manner described in subsection (c), and if the recipient resubmits an application described in subsection (b) in such form, and at such time as the Attorney General may reasonably require. [[Page H3052]] (e) Subgrants.--The eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may make subgrants to other nonprofit private organizations with relevant subject matter expertise in order to establish and maintain the National Resource Center on Cybercrimes Against Individuals in accordance with subsection (c). (f) Report to the Secretary.--On the date that is one year after the date on which an eligible entity receives a grant under this section, and annually thereafter for the duration of the grant period, the entity shall submit to the Attorney General a report which contains-- (1) a summary of the activities carried out under the grant program during the previous year; (2) an evaluation of the results of such activities; and (3) such other information as the Attorney General may reasonably require. (g) Report to Congress.--Not later than November 1 of each even-numbered fiscal year, the Attorney General shall submit to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate a report that contains a compilation of the information contained in the report submitted under subsection (d). (h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (i) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Cybercrimes against individuals.--The term ``cybercrimes against individuals'' has the meaning given such term in section 1501(g). (2) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means a nonprofit private organization that focuses on cybercrimes against individuals and that-- (A) provides documentation to the Attorney General demonstrating experience working directly on issues of cybercrimes against individuals; and (B) includes on the entity's advisory board representatives who have a documented history of working directly on issues of cybercrimes against individuals and who are geographically and culturally diverse. SEC. 1503. NATIONAL STRATEGY, CLASSIFICATION, AND REPORTING ON CYBERCRIME. (a) Definitions.--In this section: (1) Computer.--The term ``computer'' includes a computer network and any interactive electronic device. (2) Cybercrime against individuals.--The term ``cybercrime against individuals'' means a Federal, State, or local criminal offense that involves the use of a computer to cause personal harm to an individual, such as the use of a computer to harass, threaten, stalk, extort, coerce, cause fear, intimidate, without consent distribute intimate images of, or violate the privacy of, an individual, except that-- (A) use of a computer need not be an element of the offense; and (B) the term does not include the use of a computer to cause harm to a commercial entity, government agency, or non- natural person. (b) National Strategy.--The Attorney General shall develop a national strategy to-- (1) reduce the incidence of cybercrimes against individuals; (2) coordinate investigations of cybercrimes against individuals by Federal law enforcement agencies; and (3) increase the number of Federal prosecutions of cybercrimes against individuals. (c) Classification of Cybercrimes Against Individuals for Purposes of Crime Reports.--In accordance with the authority of the Attorney General under section 534 of title 28, United States Code, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall-- (1) design and create within the Uniform Crime Reports a category for offenses that constitute cybercrimes against individuals; (2) to the extent feasible, within the category established under paragraph (1), establish subcategories for each type of cybercrime against individuals that is an offense under Federal or State law; (3) classify the category established under paragraph (1) as a Part I crime in the Uniform Crime Reports; and (4) classify each type of cybercrime against individuals that is an offense under Federal or State law as a Group A offense for the purpose of the National Incident-Based Reporting System. (d) Annual Summary.--The Attorney General shall publish an annual summary of the information reported in the Uniform Crime Reports and the National Incident-Based Reporting System relating to cybercrimes against individuals. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Massachusetts. Ms. CLARK of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, every day, millions of Americans use the internet to enrich their lives, engage with their communities, and do their jobs. While most online interactions are positive, the sad reality is that for far too many Americans having an online presence means being subjected to harassment, stalking, sextortion, and sexual abuse. In recent years, the internet has become an easy way for abusers to stalk victims of domestic violence and prey on vulnerable children. These crimes aren't just one-off occurrences, they are not just virtual. They can destroy lives. One of my constituents received an onslaught of rape and death threats so horrific and explicit that she and her husband fled their home and eventually moved because they feared for their lives. Unfortunately, when she reported these threats to law enforcement, the officers she worked with did not have the training or the resources necessary to fully investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice. And this is just one story. In fact, 20 percent, one in five, of all adult internet users have been affected by cyberstalking, persistent harassing emails or other unwanted online contact. One increasingly common form of online abuse involves perpetrators threatening to expose private or sensitive material, including nude images, unless victims produce sexual materials or pay the abuser money. The Department of Justice recently declared that this type of abuse, known as sextortion, ``. . . is by far the most significantly growing threat to children,'' and that: Sextortion cases tend to have more victims who are minors per offense than all other child sexual exploitation offenses. According to a 2015 FBI analysis of 43 sextortion cases, at least two victims committed suicide and at least ten more attempted. From self-mutilation to suicide, the consequences of sextortion for traumatized victims can be devastating. If we are going to prevent these types of online crimes, we need to make sure our law enforcement understands how to best combat them. This amendment establishes a grant program to train local and State law enforcement to prevent, enforce, and prosecute crimes carried out online. It creates a national resource center to study these crimes and requires the FBI to update the Uniform Crime Reports and National Incident-Based Reporting System to include cybercrimes. In an economy that is increasingly online, these crimes can profoundly impact career choice and economic participation. My amendment would make sure our criminal justice system is equipped to respond to the crimes that happen online or offline. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to provide law enforcement with the tools they need to combat these crimes by supporting my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I understand what the gentlewoman is talking about and wants to do here. The concern here is this amendment establishes an entirely new grant program with a national resource center. It is unclear how it would be necessary, but it is also unclear on what resources would be used to establish that new center. And if it means taking money out of the current VAWA bill for victims, for women and others, then I would definitely be opposed to this. Provisions in existing law and the underlying bill already address these and similar issues, including digital and cyber abuse. So just from that perspective, from a concern of where the funds are actually coming from and how to do this, but also the fact that it seems redundant, that is why I would oppose it. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 24 Offered by Mr. Krishnamoorthi The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 24 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. [[Page H3053]] The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 109, line 8, insert after ``other components of economic security'' the following ``, including financial empowerment, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare access, and quality education and training opportunities''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of amendment No. 24 to the Violence Against Women Act. The true cost of domestic violence is difficult to compute because of just how many aspects of someone's life it can affect and the economic sabotage it can induce. A woman could face job insecurity because she must spend excessive resources on legal assistance or childcare. She could lack the financial security to leave an abusive partner, because the partner may be tightening his grip on a shared bank account. She may be vulnerable to homelessness. She may even face unavoidable and skyrocketing healthcare costs due to the physical abuse she has experienced. There are numerous ways that domestic and sexual violence can create economic obstacles for women in America, and it is imperative that we study these issues, to strengthen the health and safety of our communities. My bipartisan amendment, which I introduced with Congresswoman Susan Brooks of Indiana, requires the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor to analyze and report all barriers that survivors face in achieving economic security outside of an abusive relationship. This amendment would ensure we are taking a comprehensive approach to strengthen the economic stability of survivors of domestic and sexual violence, including their ability to achieve financial empowerment, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare access, and quality education and training opportunities. Ultimately, this information will help put more women and survivors of domestic and sexual violence on a path of upward mobility. Mr. Chair, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. {time} 1830 Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 25 Offered by Mr. Krishnamoorthi The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 25 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 114, line 10, insert after ``or stalking'' the following: ``, including guidelines and best practices to promote the creation of effective employee assistance programs''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment No. 25 to the Violence Against Women Act. For decades, Congress has taken action to ensure that victims of domestic violence are supported and protected from their abusers by providing resources and tools to promote health and safety. We know that one in three women experience domestic violence or sexual assault in their lifetime. We also know that the devastating effects of such violence are experienced at home, in relationships, and even when they go to work. In fact, the Department of Labor reports that, in total, survivors of domestic violence lose nearly 8 million days of paid work a year due to a violent situation at home, whether that be finding legal assistance, securing childcare, or receiving health services. Statistics show that abusers are more likely to follow or harass survivors at their workplace, which can add an overwhelming sense of fear. Survivors may also experience an extreme loss in productivity due to distraction, worry, or poor performance. Due to the abundance of difficult issues facing these individuals, their ability to remain employed often is at risk. These missed days result in $1.8 billion in lost productivity for American businesses per year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 44 percent of workplaces do not have formal policies that address domestic violence in the workplace. Moving forward, we must find ways to help employers offer lifesaving resources to victims of such violence, an endeavor that will improve the health and safety of American employees both at home and at the workplace. Many companies nationwide have adopted effective ``employee assistance programs'' that include comprehensive domestic violence services for survivors. Employee assistance programs have been proven to help survivors when they come into work by offering free counseling, referrals, and assessments. In many cases, these programs offer lifesaving services to survivors dealing with dangerous and difficult situations at home. This bipartisan amendment, which I am offering with my colleague Congressman Don Bacon, directs the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Labor to launch a public information campaign that includes guidelines and best practices for employers to create these effective employee assistance programs. By conducting extensive research and sharing these findings with employers across the country, we can strengthen support services at the workplace for the betterment of women's health and safety. Mr. Chairman, with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, we have a momentous opportunity to improve employee assistance programs throughout the country. I urge my colleagues to seize this moment by supporting this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Krishnamoorthi). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 26 Offered by Mr. Brown of Maryland The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 26 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 28, insert after line 24 the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 108. GRANTS FOR LETHALITY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS. (a) In General.--The Attorney General may make grants to States, units of local government, Indian tribes, domestic violence victim service providers, and State or Tribal Domestic Violence Coalitions for technical assistance and training in the operation or establishment of a lethality assessment program. (b) Definition.--In this section, the term ``lethality assessment program'' means a program that-- (1) rapidly connects a victim of domestic violence to local community-based victim service providers; (2) helps first responders and others in the justice system, including courts, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors of tribal government and units of local government, identify and respond to possibly lethal circumstances; and [[Page H3054]] (3) identifies victims of domestic violence who are at high risk of being seriously injured or killed by an intimate partner. (c) Qualifications.--To be eligible for a grant under this section, an applicant shall demonstrate experience in developing, implementing, evaluating, and disseminating a lethality assessment program. (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this section for each of fiscal years 2020 through 2024. (e) Definitions.--Terms used in this section have the meanings given such terms in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Maryland. Mr. BROWN of Maryland. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I want to first recognize the hard work of my colleagues--the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Jerry Nadler; my colleague from California, Congresswoman Karen Bass; as well as all the members of the Judiciary Committee--on the underlying bill. My amendment would create a grant program for States, localities, and nonprofits to establish and operate a lethality assessment program. The lethality assessment program was developed in my home State of Maryland in 2005 by the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence. Research shows that for one-third of victims of domestic violence, homicide or attempted homicide was the first act of violence in that relationship. Research also shows that in the year prior to the homicide, more than 44 percent of abusers were arrested, and almost one-third of the victims contacted the police about the abuser. The lethality assessment program was developed to reduce the number of missed opportunities to identify victims of domestic violence who are at risk of being killed, and it enables them to take steps that might save their lives. The lethality assessment program is an evidence-based homicide prevention tool. Because intimate partner homicides are predictable in many cases, they are preventable in many cases. This program is used in 37 States by law enforcement, nurses, social workers, hospital personnel, caseworkers, and court personnel. By simply asking the lethality screening questions, the trained person conducting the screening educates the victim about the signs of increased risk of homicide. The trained person then further educates the victim as to how to remain safe, what options are available, and what resources are in the community. The victim feels empowered to make choices that increase their own safety. The lethality assessment program is one of only two models of evidence-based intimate partner homicide prevention to be recognized and honored as a promising practice by the Department of Justice. During my time as Lieutenant Governor, I supported expanding and fully funding the lethality assessment program in Maryland because I understood then, just as I understand today, that domestic violence and violence against women is not just a woman's issue. Domestic violence impacts all of us, families, neighbors, and entire communities. As we stand here debating my amendment and whether to reauthorize legal protections and resources for women, one in four women continue to experience abuse or stalking by their current or former intimate partner. One woman of the thousands who are killed by a current or former intimate partner every year was my cousin, Cathy. She was a 40-year-old woman and a teacher. She loved her work, and she loved her schoolchildren. On the weekend before she was going to begin her classes, in 2008, she was stalked; she was ambushed; she was tormented; and she was shot and killed by her former intimate partner in front of two police officers. While there is nothing that will bring Cathy back, we have the opportunity, right now, to pass commonsense legislation that safeguards women and families from the horrors that Cathy and my family experienced, and so many other families. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and it is up to us to ensure that our wives, husbands, partners, mothers, and children live their lives free from violence. Mr. Chairman, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this amendment and the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Brown). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 27 Offered by Ms. Haaland The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 27 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. HAALAND. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 18, line 8, strike ``and''. Page 18, line 14, strike the period at the end and insert a semicolon. Page 18, after line 14, insert the following: ``(23) providing victim advocates in State or local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, and courts and providing supportive services and advocacy to urban American Indian and Alaska Native victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico. Ms. HAALAND. Mr. Chairman, this bipartisan amendment addresses the needs of Native Americans living in urban areas by making victim advocates available in State courts for urban Indians under the STOP Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program for States. In 2018, the State STOP grant program awarded 56 awards totaling over $154 million to State programs to provide funding for victim services to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking through State initiatives to enhance existing programs and fill gaps in services. Currently, the State STOP grant program is used to strengthen partnerships between Tribal and non-Tribal stakeholders to improve responses to Native American victims, but there is no requirement for State grant activities to prioritize the hiring of in-court victim advocates for urban Indians. Frequently, the subgrantees of this program are community-based organizations, which are chronically underfunded, short-staffed, and not able to specifically address the needs of urban Indian victims. This leaves urban Native victims without any resources, which are severely needed within State courts and which could easily be remedied by hiring in-court State victim advocates. This is especially true in light of the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women, to break the cycle of generational trauma and violence. Due to devastating Federal policies, like forced relocation and removal, 71 percent of the Native American population lives in urban areas. Urban cities with high populations of Native Americans include places like Phoenix; Seattle; Los Angeles; and in my district, Albuquerque. Recent reports by the Urban Indian Health Institute identified 506 cases of missing and murdered indigenous women across 71 urban cities. My State of New Mexico ranked number one for the highest number of missing and murdered indigenous women cases, which was 78. Mr. Chairman, I thank the bipartisan cosponsors of this amendment, Representatives Grijalva, Cole, Gallego, Moore, Young, Case, Soto, Davids, and Torres, for their support. I ask my colleagues to help these Native American women who are the victims of violence. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 28 Offered by Ms. Haaland The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 28 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. HAALAND. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. [[Page H3055]] The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 127, strike line 3, and insert the following: (a) In General.--Section 534 of title 28, United States Code, is Page 127, insert after line 11 the following: (b) Indian Tribe and Indian Law Enforcement Information Sharing.--Section 534 of title 28, United States Code, is further amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: ``(d) Indian Tribe and Indian Law Enforcement Information Sharing.--The Attorney General shall permit tribal law enforcement entities (including entities designated by a tribe as maintaining public safety within a tribe's territorial jurisdiction that has no federal or state arrest authority) and Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement agencies-- ``(1) to access and enter information into Federal criminal information databases; and ``(2) to obtain information from the databases.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico. Ms. HAALAND. Mr. Chairman, I offer this bipartisan amendment to improve public safety in Indian Country through the Tribal Access Program, or TAP, which is an existing information-sharing system for Tribes in Indian Country. The Tribal Access Program administered through the Department of Justice is an effective method of sharing criminal conviction information between Tribal, local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. {time} 1845 TAP allows law enforcement officers in neighboring jurisdictions to see each other's restraining orders, warrants, and exclusion orders across jurisdictional boundaries to improve public safety. Having this information is critical to keeping victims of domestic violence safe from harm, but, unfortunately, the Department of Justice has told many Tribes they don't qualify to participate. Although the statute says that any Tribal government can access this data, the DOJ rejects applications from Tribes that don't specifically have arrest authority. Under my amendment, a Tribal government with a designated public safety agency, regardless of their ability to detain and arrest perpetrators, will have access and the ability to enter information into the TAP program. I want to be clear that my amendment does not allow these designated public safety departments or agencies to determine criminal convictions. That is a determination made by courts through due process. This amendment only allows information sharing and access to TAP to better communicate between public safety departments on reservations that are frequently limited in resources. The stakes are too high to continue to deny Tribes that are already struggling from resources to keep people safe in Indian Country access to this important information. For example, I heard from a Tribe that one of their members had a preexisting restraining order against her abuser; however, when the perpetrator entered the reservation, the Reservation Patrol--a Tribal public safety agency without arrest authority--unknowingly allowed the abuser to enter the reservation because they did not have access to information about the existing restraining order. The violation of the restraining order against the unsuspecting victim could have been prevented if the Reservation Patrol had the ability to access the criminal history of the abuser through TAP. Denying Tribal public safety departments access to information that can prevent crimes, particularly violence against women, is unconscionable. The chronic lack of public safety resources in Indian Country, including inadequately staffed law enforcement agencies and lack of cell phone and internet service for communication, already puts Tribes behind in protecting their members. If this were about any other community located off the reservation, it is likely this amendment wouldn't be at issue today. I thank the bipartisan cosponsors of this amendment--Representatives Young, Cook, Grijalva, Cole, Gallego, Ruiz, Case, Soto, Davids, and Torres--for their support and ask my colleagues to help give Tribal public safety departments the information they need to protect Native American women from violence. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 29 Offered by Mr. Rouda The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 29 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 85, after line 13, insert the following (and redesignate other provisions accordingly): (4) Transgender and gender non-conforming people face extraordinary levels of physical and sexual violence. (5) More than 1 in 4 transgender people have faced bias- driven assault, and this rate is higher for trans women and trans people of color. (6) The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has found that transgender and gender non-conforming people had an elevated prevalence of suicide attempts, especially when they have suffered physical or sexual violence. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, transgender and gender nonconforming people face extraordinary levels of physical and sexual violence. According to the U.S. Transgender Survey, which surveyed nearly 28,000 transgender Americans across all 50 States, nearly half of transgender individuals have been sexually assaulted in their lifetime, and nearly 1 in 10 respondents in the survey reported that they were physically attacked in the past year because of being transgender. Transgender people face disproportionate harassment and violence. More than one in four transgender people have faced bias-driven assault, and this rate is higher for trans women and trans people of color. The fear caused by these acts sends people underground and away from community services and support. This violence has deadly consequences. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention has found that transgender and gender nonconforming people have an elevated prevalence of suicide attempts, especially when they have suffered physical or sexual assault. As always, listening to and believing survivors is critical, and I stand committed to rejecting the prejudice and hate facing transgender and gender nonconforming people in our Nation. Far too often, the experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming people are ignored and overlooked. My amendment, which is supported by the Human Rights Campaign and the National Center for Transgender Equality, adds language to the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act that recognizes the ongoing epidemic of violence against these members of the LGBTQ community. Mr. Chair, I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment that seeks to include the experiences of transgender and gender nonconforming people in this important piece of legislation. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman. I have no problem. As far as any violence against anyone, no matter what the cause is, is wrong. And no one should be treated differently because of choices and other things in their life, whether it be just the basic humanity that we deal with. I think the only concern that I have here, as someone who has dealt with [[Page H3056]] suicide, who has dealt with it on a counseling level for many years both in the military and outside, I would not want to assign a certain bias to the reasoning here, because there are other reasons, as well, for suicide, and to keep that holistically. That is why, from my personal standpoint, I would not want to assign that. I think any of these is tragic and do contribute to that issue, just as it would anything else. So I think limiting it, in my opinion, would not be good in the holistic approach to making sure that no one believes that their only choice in life is suicide, which is what the amendment seems to do. I think there are multiple things there, and we need to be very aware of that--and the friends and family around us. If I could take anything else from this moment, it is that I would include everybody listening in today, no matter what their background is, suicide is something that is tragic. And if it comes to a point where people do not feel any hope, it is imperative that people reach out to all people, no matter who they are, if they know them or not, and just ask simple questions: ``Are you okay?'' ``Can we talk?'' Do the things like that that help people understand that they are not alone in this situation. I appreciate the gentleman's concern. I do voice opposition to this amendment just in the sense that I believe it is too limiting in scope to say that this is the reason why or to input a bias into a congressional finding. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the Member's comments and agree that suicide, nationally, is an issue, regardless of the situation, and I appreciate his comments that anybody in that situation should be encouraged to reach out. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 30 Offered by Mr. Rouda The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 30 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 38, after line 15, insert the following (and redesignate other provisions accordingly): (C) in paragraph (4), by inserting after ``improve delivery of'' the following: ``primary prevention training and''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, as we seek to reauthorize this landmark piece of bipartisan legislation, it is important that we recognize we have a long way to go to end rape, sexual violence, and sexual harassment on college campuses. Nearly one-quarter of American college women experience sexual violence. Let me repeat. Nearly one-quarter of college women experience sexual violence while attending school. We have failed the young people of our Nation who are tirelessly pursuing higher education and chasing the American Dream. The Violence Against Women Act supports hundreds of thousands of sexual assault survivors across the United States; however, we must do more to prevent these acts of sexual violence from occurring in the first place. My amendment would give colleges and universities the opportunity to use grant funding to offer or improve the delivery of primary prevention training. Primary prevention training is exactly what it sounds like. It seeks to educate and change the culture on college campuses. It promotes healthy relationships and addresses community and societal challenges. It teaches students consent and stops sexual assaults from occurring. Organizations like End Rape on Campus know that primary prevention training works, and they are in full support of this amendment. As I mentioned earlier, one-quarter of college women experience sexual violence while on campus. Today, we can begin to change that unacceptable statistic by adopting this amendment. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, although I am not necessarily opposed to it. The Acting CHAIR. Without objection, the gentleman is recognized for 5 minutes. There was no objection. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, again, I do not necessarily oppose the amendment. I think the underlying actual law addresses what you are after here, so, in my mind, it is duplicative and can serve to muddy up, really, some existing law that is already here. So that would be my concern about your amendment. I think it is already covered. Mr. Chair, I appreciate the gentleman offering the amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 31 Offered by Mr. Rouda The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 31 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 39, line 6, insert after ``efforts.'' the following: ``(12) To develop and implement an alternative justice response (as such term is defined in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994).''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, as I mentioned, 25 percent of female students on campus have experienced sexual assault, yet less than 10 percent of college students who experience sexual violence report their assaults. For many survivors, reporting a sexual assault is an incredibly traumatic process that forces them to repeatedly relive the worst days or nights of their lives. More than just traumatic, reporting can be dangerous or detrimental to one's social status, academic pursuits, or career prospects. Knowing that 90 percent of students feel uncomfortable with the current reporting process, my amendment would give colleges and universities the opportunity to use grant funding to offer alternative justice response programs. These programs allow for a nonpunitive response to objectionable conduct, seek accountability from the accused, provide alternative pathways for justice and healing for survivors, and give an opportunity for education and behavioral change. Research has shown that alternative justice programs, which return autonomy and control to survivors, can lessen PTSD symptoms. Working toward justice and healing are not always linear processes, and this amendment would allow for the complex experiences of survivors to be respected and supported. Mr. Chair, I ask that my colleagues join me in supporting this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition to the amendment. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Georgia is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, this one is one that, from many perspectives--and we talked about this a little bit earlier in this debate. Especially when it comes to the alternative justice issue here, we understand the concerns for the victims and need to be a part of that, but this is something prosecutors across the country have [[Page H3057]] opposed. And, in fact, the National District Attorneys Association points out in a letter today: While this approach may work successfully in other types of situations, we lack sufficient information on potential downsides of bringing a batterer into the same room with a victim in order to conflict-resolve what is considered a crime of violence. {time} 1900 They go on to say that: A philosophy of putting the ability to consent to this kind of program on a victim's shoulders is misplaced and may result in unintended consequences to the victim, such as safety concerns. The prosecutors are among the people that utilize the beneficial tools of VAWA the most, and they are on the front lines of combating the violence against women. I don't think that we should ignore that. I think when we are looking at this, as I said earlier in this debate today, anyone who does this is a criminal. If they do this to people, stalking, domestic violence, all this, they are criminal actions, and I do not want to take that away from this. The victim should be cared for. The victim should be nurtured. The victim should be able to come forward in that process. But I do not want to take campuses and other places away where it becomes something which law enforcement does not have the primary say so, or you are allowing the campus, Mr. Chairman, to come in and have their own alternative kind of investigative process. And this is something that is of concern. I appreciate the gentleman's concern in how people move through this process, but this is just not the right way to go, especially in this bill. There may be other ways to address this. That is why I would oppose the amendment, because I just feel like we do not need to ever take away the fact that the victims in this are victims of a crime. We never can take that away and would not want to resurface that in any other way. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's comments. As I mentioned early, when you look at 25 percent of the female student body experiencing sexual assault on campus, and only 10 percent feeling comfortable to come forward and report, that 90 percent of them that do not feel that they have an avenue that they are comfortable with to share their story and seek justice, this is an opportunity to do just that. There is no evidence that suggests those universities that have already provided restorative justice have seen a decline in actual reports. As such, I think this is a program that provides exactly what was laid out in the amendment and should have bipartisan support. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Again, not to prolong this, but I think the interesting issue here, Mr. Chairman, is from the understanding there are ways inside VAWA. There are other programs here. And I would just have to say that for those who do not come forward, there are also many other reasons besides the fact of the law enforcement process that we go through here. So what I don't want to have is just because the law enforcement process does require reporting and does require this, we don't want to let the abuser in this situation, or the perpetrator in this situation be allowed to continue because the system is too hard. I would like to see the system be made where the victims can come forward and not take it away to where it would be something that is alternative. So I think in many ways we are probably saying or at least wanting the same things. I want to make it easier for them to report the folks who do this to them, no matter what background they are from or gender they are or anything else and have that ability for law enforcement to do what should be done, and that is, to put these people in jail. I think that is the big difference I have here, and I don't think this is the proper place for it. There may be other ways we can find common ground in this, but not here, especially with what VAWA has the ability to do already inside it. So that is my opposition to this. We want the same thing. The people who perpetrate these crimes need to be prosecuted. I just don't want to see things diverted and an outlet given. It should be better for the victims to be able to come and report this. It is a sad state of occurrence when you don't have the ability or want to come report because they feel the system is too hard. But also, not taking this out of account, there are other reasons why this is not reported, or they don't feel like they can come forward. And I don't think we can deny that. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chairman, I will point out that lots of times victims do not come forward to the police department and the court system because they recognize that they often will not get justice. That could be because of a lack of evidence, or that could be for other reasons. This provides another recourse for them. As the father of a daughter and three sons, I would want to see this available for those kids in that type of a situation, that if the victim felt this was the right course of action for them to address that issue, then I believe this amendment helps them do just that. And while I respect my colleague's comment, again, I would hold the amendment up as is, and I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chairman, again, that is fine. I think the National District Attorneys Association also would agree that this is something that should be studied, but not mandated. And I think the amendment here goes farther than most of us are feeling comfortable with in that regard. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 32 Offered by Mr. Rouda The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 32 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 38, strike lines 1 through 2 and insert the following: (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: ``(2) To develop, strengthen, and implement campus policies, protocols, and services that more effectively identify and respond to the crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking, including the use of technology to commit these crimes, and to train campus administrators, campus security personnel, and all participants in the resolution process, including the Title IX coordinator's office and student conduct office on campus disciplinary or judicial boards on such policies, protocols, and services.''. Page 39, line 12, strike ``and''. Page 39, insert after line 12, the following: (B) by amending paragraph (3)(D) to read as follows: ``(D) The grantee shall train all participants in the resolution process, including the Title IX coordinator's office and student conduct office, to respond effectively to situations involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.''; and Page 39, line 13, strike ``(B) in paragraph'' and insert ``(C) in paragraph''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California Mr. ROUDA. Mr. Chairman, my final amendment addresses training for all participants involved in the complaint resolution process. Campus disciplinary processes, governed by Title IX, vary by school, and involve many participants before the complaint even reaches the hearing phase where a campus disciplinary or judicial board would be involved. Many survivors never even reach the hearing phase. At the same time, throughout the disclosure process, survivors are required to relive and discuss their sexual assaults with administrators, faculty, and staff. As previously mentioned, only 10 percent of college student survivors officially report their assault. When and if they decide to report, survivors deserve to be met with trauma-informed care, and campus faculty and staff deserve training on the best practices to meet this critical need. My amendment would give colleges and universities the opportunity to use [[Page H3058]] grant funding for training of all participants involved with the resolution process in training which identifies or responds to crimes of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Resolution process members include the Title IX coordinator's office, as well as the office of student conduct. This training will ensure that survivors are treated with more respect, professionalism, and compassion by every school official, campus security guard, administrator, and professor. I urge Members to adopt this amendment which promotes effective and positive responses to survivors on college campuses. I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from California (Mr. Rouda). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 33 Offered by Mrs. Craig The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 33 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mrs. CRAIG. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 37, line 21, insert ``(a) In General.--'' before ``Section 304''. Page 39, after line 19, insert the following: (b) Report on Best Practices Regarding Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campuses.-- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Education shall submit to Congress a report, which includes-- (1) an evaluation of programs, events, and educational materials related to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking; and (2) an assessment of best practices and guidance from the evaluation described in paragraph (1), which shall be made publicly available online to universities and college campuses to use as a resource. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Craig) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Minnesota. Mrs. CRAIG. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Every student deserves to learn in an environment that is safe and free from harassment and violence. Yet, we all know that domestic violence and sexual assault remain prevalent threats to women, and especially young women, on college campuses across our country. College-aged students are at greater risk than any other age groups for domestic and sexual violence. These instances of violence are vastly underreported. A study of college students by the U.S. Department of Justice found that around one in five women are targets of attempted or completed sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019 increases funding for grants to combat violent crimes on campuses and allocates funding to train campus health centers to recognize and to respond to these crimes. My amendment directs the Secretary of Education to study and submit a report to Congress on best practices regarding the prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on college campuses. This includes an evaluation of programs, events, and educational materials related to preventing acts of violence and harassment. Preventing violence against young people on college campuses starts with education. Sharing information for best practices and guidance for educators on college campuses opens the door for collaborative work among experts in intimate partner and sexual violence prevention. My amendment does not change the enforcement and implementation responsibilities of the Department of Education. Congress needs a report on best practices for prevention of these acts of violence, not on the agency's recent efforts to change regulations and requirements under Title IX. None of us can address sexual and domestic violence on our own. That is why this amendment provides a commonsense approach toward solving the problem by forcing the agency to continue to review best practices and prevention methods for combating acts of violence. Colleges and universities, sexual violence prevention experts, and the Federal Government should share resources and information, learn from their peers, and take steps toward eradicating sexual and domestic violence altogether. When it comes to the safety of our students, we cannot afford to work in silos. Every student deserves to feel safe in their community and we must be proactive and collaborative in our work to end sexual and domestic violence on our college campuses. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and support the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Minnesota (Mrs. Craig). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 34 Offered by Ms. Schrier The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 34 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 44, line 14, insert after ``professionals'' the following: ``, including specialists in trauma and in behavioral health care,''. Page 44, line 17, strike ``and stalking'' and insert the following: ``stalking, and children exposed to violence''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Washington. Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, I am pleased to offer this amendment to the Violence Against Women Act along with my colleagues, Representatives Lauren Underwood and also Representative Donna Shalala. This amendment would help increase the number of healthcare professionals who are able to assist children exposed to violence and also ensures that trauma and behavioral healthcare specialists are included in efforts to address domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and childhood exposure to violence. The long-term effects of childhood exposure to adverse experiences, which include domestic and sexual violence that go unaddressed, are chilling. Children exposed to violence, when they become adults, are more likely to have addictive behaviors, to drop out of school, and to be violent themselves. The effects of these adverse experiences can be mitigated through counseling and other intervention services, which is why my amendment would require funding authorized under this section to be used to increase the number of social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists, trauma specialists, and others who are trained in counseling children exposed to violence. As a pediatrician, I know firsthand that if we treat adverse childhood experiences early, we can mitigate the costly long-term effects that occur later in life. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood). Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment, which I coauthored with my colleague from Washington. A female pediatrician and female nurse working together to write legislation, this has literally never happened before in this body. {time} 1915 Our amendment ensures that trauma and behavioral health specialists are included as healthcare professionals in the section of this bill intended to strengthen our healthcare system's response to domestic violence. Behavioral healthcare, of course, includes mental health as well as treatment for substance abuse disorders. Both are particularly important to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Mental healthcare can be lifesaving for domestic violence survivors. Survivors [[Page H3059]] are three times more likely to meet criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder. They are also more likely to have suicidal thoughts and to attempt suicide. Mothers who experience domestic violence are nearly twice as likely to develop post-partum depression than those who don't. Access for treatment for substance abuse is also critical for domestic violence survivors. Survivors experience substance abuse disorders at rates two to six times higher than average. Violence against women isn't just a women's issue. It is a children's issue, it is a men's issue, it is a family issue, and it is an economic issue. That is why it is so important that our healthcare system take a comprehensive approach to its response. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support our amendment. Ms. SCHRIER. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Schrier). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 35 Offered by Ms. Underwood The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 35 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 142, insert after line 4 the following: SEC. 1002. REPORT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ON THE EFFECTS OF THE SHUTDOWN. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this title, the Attorney General shall submit a report to Congress on the effects of the Federal Government shutdown that lasted from December 22, 2018 to January 25, 2019, evaluating and detailing the extent of the effect of the shutdown on the ability of the Department of Justice to disperse funding and services under the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, and the Victims of Crime Act of 1984, to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Illinois. Ms. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Chairman, the recent Federal Government shutdown was the longest in our Nation's history. It was reckless, and it was dangerous. It hurt our Nation's security, it hurt Federal workers, and it hurt our most vulnerable populations, including survivors of domestic violence and abuse. My amendment would direct the Department of Justice to report to Congress the effects of the shutdown on DOJ's efforts to disburse VAWA and VOCA funding. This funding provides services to prevent and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This amendment is in direct response to months of conversations with domestic violence shelters and agencies that serve my community in Illinois's 14th District and to the urgent need in all of our districts. I am thankful to my colleagues from Illinois and Pennsylvania for their support as cosponsors. Over the past month, we have worked to understand how the shutdown affected our ability to respond to domestic violence. Let's be clear. Everyone wants domestic violence victims to get the support they need. But that didn't happen during the shutdown, and we don't know why not. We have been told there was about a 2-week period at the beginning of the shutdown where DOJ employees who help process VAWA and VOCA grants weren't able to work. We know grantees were warned about a delay in processing their funding, and we have been told that those DOJ employees were expected and allowed to return to work at some point during the shutdown. But that is not enough. We need to know what happened so that we can make sure it doesn't happen again. I want to share the stories that I am hearing from shelters in my district about how the shutdown affected them, because their experiences are unacceptable. Family Shelter Service, a domestic violence agency, serves my constituents in DuPage County, Illinois. During the shutdown, they had to turn away 138 members of my community who were seeking safety at the shelter. Because of the shutdown, Family Shelter Service had to hold off on filling four open positions for employees that were funded by VAWA and VOCA. Three of these positions were for child counselors. The shelter reports that this directly led to a decrease in the number of children whom they were able to help. I also represent McHenry County in Illinois. It is a big county, but it only has one domestic violence agency called Turning Point. In 2018 alone, Turning Point served more than 1,700 people, and 170 of those were children. Fifteen percent of Turning Point's funding comes from VOCA. They shared with me that because of the shutdown, they had to stop referring survivors for individual counseling because of the lack of resources. Now, Illinois has some supplemental sources of domestic violence funding, but many States rely almost completely on Federal funding. Failure to maintain and protect these Federal funding streams literally puts lives at risk. Resources for domestic violence survivors and the organizations that help them are already stretched too far and too thin. It is our fiscal and moral responsibility to ensure that their funding is not interrupted again. Mr. Chairman, I urge all of my colleagues to support my amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Underwood). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 36 offered by Mr. Casten of Illinois The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 36 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 38, line 24, insert after ``centers'' the following: ``and appropriate campus faculty, such as academic advisors or professionals who deal with students on a daily basis,''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Casten) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Illinois. Mr. CASTEN of Illinois. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer amendment No. 36 to H.R. 1585, the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. My amendment would ensure that campus faculty are trained to recognize victims of sexual and domestic violence. Specifically, this legislation amends the bill to include ``appropriate campus faculty, such as academic advisors or professionals who deal with students on a daily basis'' for grant training programs to recognize and respond to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This would include training health providers on how to provide universal education to all members of the campus community on the impacts of violence on health and unhealthy relationships and how providers can support ongoing outreach efforts. Now, going off to school can be a wonderful opportunity for our children. But sexual and domestic violence on college campuses is horrific and must be addressed. We know that of undergraduate students, 23.1 percent of females and 5.4 percent of males experience rape or sexual assault during their time on campus. But all too often, those students do not report to law enforcement. Only 20 percent of female student victims report their experience. Some don't report because they fear reprisal, others don't think it was important enough, and some don't even believe that police could or would do anything to help. We cannot eradicate sexual violence on campus if we can't even reach the students who are being impacted. We are failing them. That is why this amendment to include campus faculty in training programs to help them identify signs of [[Page H3060]] sexual and domestic violence is so necessary. If students feel that they cannot report these crimes, then we must have knowledgeable and trained faculty in place to provide help if it is needed. Recently I went to a panel at Benedictine University in Illinois, and I got to hear directly from campus faculty about this specific issue and from students on the unique needs on college campuses. There are really specific challenges, as Congresswoman Underwood was mentioning. We have limited but flawed procedures in place for people who need shelter when they are victims of domestic violence. That is really hard on a college campus. What do you do for someone when they are in a dorm room and everybody knows where the dorms are on campus? What do you do to change their schedule if there is only one section of the class they need to take? What can schools do when a survivor doesn't feel safe to go to class? I was honored at the time to speak with Bernadette Muloski, Benedictine's Violence Against Women Act Grant Coordinator. She pointed out that when schools provide more information and resources for reporting and speaking openly about these issues, then it often leads to higher numbers of reports--not because violence is happening more often, but because people finally feel safe to come forward. Now, it is so important for the first person that a student confides in to have an appropriate reaction, because that disclosure often has a huge impact on the survivor's healing. It is also impactful on how the student decides to move forward, either in reporting or seeking additional assistance such as counseling and support. So if the first person does not respond with empathy and gives an indication that they don't care or maybe doesn't know what to do and doesn't know where the resources are on campus, the student may never tell another person or may struggle with that, and the perpetrator may go on to commit more violence. On college campuses students often develop mentor relationships with faculty or staff beyond the health department that they are working with, and it is more likely that a survivor will disclose their experience to someone they know as opposed to a stranger. That is why we have to get this right. This amendment would provide the resources to train all of those faculty who interact with students, and by providing resources to schools so that they can individualize their response to sexual and domestic violence, we will enable them to better meet the unique challenges of those students. This is particularly true for underserved communities. Coordinated, comprehensive responses allow college communities to develop sustainable strategies to address these crimes. For colleges and universities to curb sexual violence on campus, we must create the safe, respectful, collegiate learning and teaching environment that every student and employee deserves. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support my amendment which will not only provide resources for college and university faculty, but also the support that students need and deserve. Mr. Chairman, I thank Representative Bass for authoring this bill, and I thank all the tireless advocates who have worked to bring us to this day. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, please support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Casten). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 37 Offered by Ms. Porter The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 37 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Ms. PORTER. I have an amendment at the desk, Mr. Chairman. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 11, line 24, strike ``and''. Page 15, line 12, strike the period at the end and insert ``; and''. Page 15, insert after line 12 the following: (3) by adding at the end the following: ``(c) Rule of Construction.--For purposes of this Act, nothing may be construed to preclude the term `domestic violence' from including economic abuse each place the term `domestic violence' occurs unless doing so would trigger an extension of effective date under section 703(f)(1)(B) of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019.''. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Porter) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California. Ms. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I am honored to be here today to introduce my amendment to the Violence Against Women Act, which integrates the term ``economic abuse'' throughout the legislation. I wrote this amendment to ensure that this largely invisible abuse is recognized federally, and victims are afforded all of the protections offered under VAWA. Over one-quarter of women and 11 percent of men have experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetimes. I am one of them. I suffered domestic violence, and every year, millions suffer in silence for many reasons, but one of the most prominent among those reasons is economic necessity. According to a study conducted in 2012, 74 percent of survivors stayed with their abuser for financial reasons. Financial abuse through consumer credit still has not been appropriately recognized under the law. Using debt to exercise coercive control is one of the most prevalent and nefarious forms of domestic violence. In a Michigan State study, 99 percent of domestic violence victims reported some form of economic abuse. Economic abuse takes many forms, ranging from employment sabotage to malicious attempts to restrict survivor's access to funds. Threats of violence cause women to take time off from school or work and interfere with their abilities to maintain employment or complete their educations. Abusers obstruct childcare and transportation options to disrupt job and academic performance, stealing victim's keys, and leaving children intentionally unattended. They cut off access to financial information to keep their partner in a state of financial dependence and unable to leave. They commit identity theft to run up credit card debt and ruin their partner's credit scores, taking out loans in their partner's name that the victim knows nothing about and cannot pay off. In intimate partner relationships, on average, physical violence victims lose 7 days of paid employment, rape victims lose 8, and stalking victims lose 10 per year. {time} 1930 For the rest of their lives, these survivors are less financially secure because they endured an abusive relationship. Abusers often take advantage of their heightened degree of financial sophistication relative to their partner's. They don't tell their partners about the assets the couple owns, and they force their partners to sign quitclaim deeds and give up ownership in major assets like homes without knowing it. Coerced debt follows victims of domestic violence for the rest of their lives, long after they have left the relationship. It is particularly destructive in the weeks after these women leave, when they try to rent an apartment or otherwise provide for themselves financially. Burdening a woman with economic obligations that she did not take on as she is trying to escape an abusive relationship can be as crippling to her long-term well-being as violence. Credit repair is an almost impossible process. Expunging coerced debt from a victim's credit report, even with extensive evidence of fraud, is an intractable task, which is why I will be introducing legislation to provide a way forward for women whose credit scores are ruined as a result of domestic violence. I endured an abusive relationship, and my three children and I were able to move forward with our lives, staying in our community and in our home. I had a good job; I had a strong credit history; and I was extremely engaged with our family's financial decisions, which allowed me to leave when I needed to. However, without a substantial safety net, many women can't and don't [[Page H3061]] leave. When they do leave, almost 40 percent of survivors become homeless. This is wholly unacceptable. Until we address the full spectrum of abuse that survivors face, we won't significantly reduce rates of domestic violence. And for so long as domestic violence is a glaringly prevalent problem in our society, we will not see gender equality. Incorporating economic abuse into the definition of domestic violence in this landmark Federal legislation is a huge step. I am honored to have the opportunity to carry the voices of Orange County families and survivors to the Halls of Congress. I found help to let my family rebuild our lives. A police officer who had been trained in DV because of VAWA helped create the amazing, healthy children I have. I will count the passage of VAWA among my proudest achievements. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Porter). The amendment was agreed to. Amendment No. 38 Offered by Mr. Rose of New York The Acting CHAIR. It is now in order to consider amendment No. 38 printed in part B of House Report 116-32. Mr. ROSE of New York. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of my amendment to expand national domestic violence hotlines. The Acting CHAIR. The Clerk will designate the amendment. The text of the amendment is as follows: Page 171, insert after line 2 the following (and conform the table of contents accordingly): SEC. 1408. NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE. Not later than 3 months after the date of enactment of this Act, a national domestic violence hotline for which a grant is provided under section 313 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act shall include the voluntary feature of texting via telephone to ensure all methods of communication are available for victims and those seeking assistance. The Acting CHAIR. Pursuant to House Resolution 281, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rose) and a Member opposed each will control 5 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York. Mr. ROSE of New York. Mr. Chairman, when you consider hotlines today, we have to think about the fact that text messages are absolutely important, and they are also, all too often, ignored. We need to evolve. We need to fix the new problems of today as well as the problems of the future. As a subcommittee chairman of the Homeland Security Committee and as one of the younger Members of this body, I understand that the advent of social networks and technology has, in many ways, helped us track and identify bad actors. But as we have heard from survivors of domestic violence, it also allows abuse, coercion, stalking, and intimidation in more ways than ever before. Survivors need the necessary tools to keep themselves safe. When a woman is being constantly monitored by her abuser, is unable to hide, and finds herself trapped, a phone call could put her life in even more danger. This is why I implore my colleagues to support this amendment, because we are talking life and death here. This is not only a matter of believing survivors--though, to be clear, we absolutely must. This is about making sure that we empower survivors with the resources they need in the 21st century, no matter what age they are. It breaks my heart to know that those hiding from their abusers could be a young college student or even a teenager in high school. A recent study on intimate partner violence found that 1 in 10 high school students have experienced physical violence from dating a partner in a given year. Nearly one in three women in college have said they have been in an abusive dating relationship. If these statistics do not highlight the need for Congress to provide as much relief as we possibly can, I don't know what does. Making sure women in crisis can quickly and easily get help by texting the crisis hotline should be a no-brainer. The technology exists, and it has been proven to be effective by other organizations helping those in need. This isn't rocket science. If we apply modern-day technology to combat dating violence and sexual assault, we can keep survivors and their families safe while holding the perpetrators accountable. It is our job to make sure that our federally funded hotlines can serve in the most effective way. We need to get this done because, at the end of the day, this amendment will save lives. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rose). The amendment was agreed to. Mr. NADLER. Mr. Chair, I move that the Committee do now rise. The motion was agreed to. Accordingly, the Committee rose; and the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. Malinowski) having assumed the chair, Mr. Rose of New York, Acting Chair of the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union, reported that that Committee, having had under consideration the bill (H.R. 1585) to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, and for other purposes, had come to no resolution thereon. ____________________