[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 14, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E584]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             SAVANNA'S ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SUZANNE BONAMICI

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2019

  Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, Native women in the U.S. face tragically 
high rates of violence, sexual assault, and murder. According to the 
CDC, murder is the third leading cause of death among Native women, 
with rates of violence ten times that of the national average on 
reservations.
   I rise today in support of Savanna's Act, which will recognize 
Native women victims and make sure that their invisibility by law 
enforcement ends. I understand the devastating effects of colonization 
and the disproportionate harm and risk for Native women. We must work 
together to pass Savanna's Act, which will substantially strengthen 
federal and tribal investigations into the disappearance of Indigenous 
women, and increase the likelihood of prosecuting these violent crimes.
   Savanna's Act will also create and improve procedures, 
communication, and cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and local 
agencies that may share jurisdiction over these crimes. These 
provisions will also improve recording and sharing of data so these 
women are no longer invisible to law enforcement.
   I thank Rep. Torres for taking the lead on this important piece of 
legislation. I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to 
cosponsor this life-saving legislation, and I urge House leaders to 
move swiftly to bring it to the floor for a vote.

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