[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 188 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1148-E1149]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN SUPPORT OF H.R. 2119, THE FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES 
                        IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM COLE

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 26, 2021

  Mr. COLE. Madam Speaker, today, I voted in favor of H.R. 2119, the 
Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act. It is 
important for our Nation to address the scourge of domestic violence, 
which affects far too many residents of our country, and I am 
disappointed that the legislation before the House today could not be 
written, and ultimately passed, on a bipartisan basis. Domestic 
violence transcend politics and does not discriminate based on 
political preference.
  There are provisions in this legislation that are important to 
constituencies I represent. My home state of Oklahoma is home to some 
of the largest Tribal populations. I am pleased that H.R. 2119 provides 
increased resources to Tribal nations to fully respond to domestic 
violence in their communities. Specifically, H.R. 2119 increases the 
tribal set-aside for grant funding from 10 percent to 12.5 percent. 
This increased set-aside will improve technical assistance to Tribes, 
development of domestic violence prevention strategies, and 
implementation of community responses to reduce risk factors for family 
violence. Moreover, the implementation of a new emergency hotline 
dedicated to serving Indians affected by domestic violence will 
significantly benefit the Native American population.
  Yet I also recognize that the bill voted on today has some very real 
problems. I have

[[Page E1149]]

concerns with several key provisions, which is why it is my hope that 
if the Senate passes its own version of this legislation, these 
troubled provisions could be eliminated in a conference between both 
chambers. If not, then I reserve the right to vote no on any vote on 
final passage.

                          ____________________