[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 188 (Tuesday, October 26, 2021)]
[House]
[Pages H5885-H5908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    FAMILY VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND SERVICES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2021

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 
716, I call up the bill (H.R. 2119) to amend the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act to make improvements, and ask for its 
immediate consideration.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 716, in lieu of 
the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the 
Committee on Education and Labor, printed in the bill, an amendment in 
the nature of a substitute consisting of the text of Rules Committee 
Print 117-15, modified by the amendment printed in part A of House 
Report 117-137 is adopted and the bill, as amended, is considered read.
  The text of the bill, as amended, is as follows:

                               H.R. 2119

     Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled.

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; REFERENCES; SEVERABILITY.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021''.
       (b) References.--Except as otherwise specified, amendments 
     made by this Act to a section or other provision of law are 
     amendments to such section or other provision of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et 
     seq.).
       (c) Severability.--If any provision of this Act, an 
     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 this Act, the 
     amendments made by this Act, and the application of such 
     provision or amendment to any person or circumstance shall 
     not be affected thereby.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSE.

       Subsection (b) of section 301 (42 U.S.C. 10401) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(b) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this title to improve 
     services and interventions for victims of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence, and to advance primary 
     and secondary prevention of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence by--
       ``(1) assisting States and territories in supporting local 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     programs to provide accessible, trauma-informed, culturally 
     relevant residential and non-residential services to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence victims and 
     their children and dependents;
       ``(2) strengthening the capacity of Indian Tribes to 
     exercise their sovereign authority to respond to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence committed 
     against Indians;
       ``(3) providing for a network of technical assistance and 
     training centers to support effective policy, practice, 
     research, and cross-system collaboration to improve 
     intervention and prevention efforts throughout the country;
       ``(4) supporting the efforts of State, territorial, and 
     Tribal coalitions to document and address the needs of 
     victims and their children and dependents, including victims 
     and their children and dependents who are underserved, 
     implement effective coordinated community and systems 
     responses, and promote ongoing public education and community 
     engagement;
       ``(5) maintaining national domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence hotlines, including a national 
     Indian domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence hotline; and
       ``(6) supporting the development and implementation of 
     evidence-informed, coalition-led, and community-based primary 
     prevention approaches and programs.''.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 302 (42 U.S.C. 10402) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 302. DEFINITIONS.

       ``In this title:
       ``(1) Alaska native.--The term `Alaska Native' has the 
     meaning given the term Native in section 3 of the Alaska 
     Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602).
       ``(2) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who is--
       ``(A) younger than age 18; and
       ``(B) not an emancipated minor.
       ``(3) Dating partner.--
       ``(A) In general.--The term `dating partner' means any 
     person who is or has been in a social

[[Page H5886]]

     relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with an abuser, 
     and where the existence of such a relationship shall be 
     determined based on a consideration of one or more of the 
     following factors:
       ``(i) The length of the relationship.
       ``(ii) The type of the relationship.
       ``(iii) The frequency of interaction between the persons 
     involved in the relationship.
       ``(iv) The cultural context of the relationship.
       ``(B) Construction.--Sexual contact is not a necessary 
     component of a relationship described in subparagraph (A).
       ``(4) Digital services.--The term `digital services' means 
     services, resources, information, support, or referrals 
     provided through electronic communications platforms and 
     media, which may include mobile phone technology, video 
     technology, computer technology (including use of the 
     internet), and 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, and family 
     violence.
       ``(5) Domestic violence, dating violence, family 
     violence.--The terms `domestic violence', `dating violence', 
     and `family violence' mean any act, threatened act, or 
     pattern of acts of physical or sexual violence, stalking, 
     harassment, psychological abuse, economic abuse, 
     technological abuse, or any other form of abuse, including 
     threatening to commit harm against children or dependents or 
     other members of the household of the recipient of the threat 
     for the purpose of coercion, threatening, or causing harm, 
     directed against--
       ``(A) a dating partner or other person similarly situated 
     to a dating partner under the laws of the jurisdiction;
       ``(B) a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated 
     with the person committing such an act;
       ``(C) a current or former spouse or other person similarly 
     situated to a spouse under the laws of the jurisdiction;
       ``(D) a person who shares a child or dependent in common 
     with the person committing such an act;
       ``(E) a person who is related by marriage, blood, or is 
     otherwise legally related; or
       ``(F) any other person who is protected from any such act 
     under the domestic or family violence laws, policies, or 
     regulations of the jurisdiction.
       ``(6) Economic abuse.--The term `economic abuse', when used 
     in the context of domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence, means behavior that is coercive or deceptive 
     related to a person's ability to acquire, use, or maintain 
     economic resources to which they are entitled, or that 
     unreasonably controls or restrains a person's ability to 
     acquire, use, or maintain economic resources to which they 
     are entitled. This includes 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.
       ``(7) Indian; indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms 
     `Indian', `Indian Tribe', and `Tribal organization' have the 
     meanings given the terms `Indian', `Indian tribe', and 
     `tribal organization', respectively, in section 4 of the 
     Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 
     U.S.C. 5304).
       ``(8) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     `institution of higher education' has the meaning given such 
     term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1001).
       ``(9) Native hawaiian.--The term `Native Hawaiian' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 6207 of the Elementary and 
     Secondary Education Act of 1965.
       ``(10) Personally identifying information.--The term 
     `personally identifying information' has the meaning given 
     the term in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women 
     Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(a)).
       ``(11) Population specific services.--The term `population 
     specific services' has the meaning given such term in section 
     40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C. 
     12291(a)).
       ``(12) Racial and ethnic minority group; racial and ethnic 
     minority population.--The terms `racial and ethnic minority 
     group' and `racial and ethnic minority population' include 
     each group listed in the definition of such term in section 
     1707(g) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300u-
     6(g)).
       ``(13) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services.
       ``(14) Shelter.--The term `shelter' means the provision of 
     temporary refuge and basic necessities, in conjunction with 
     supportive services, provided on a regular basis, in 
     compliance with applicable State, Tribal, territorial, or 
     local law to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     or family violence and their children and dependents. Such 
     law includes regulations governing the provision of safe 
     homes and other forms of secure temporary lodging, meals, 
     other basic necessities, or supportive services to victims of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence and 
     their children and dependents.
       ``(15) State.--The term `State' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, and, except as otherwise provided, Guam, American 
     Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth 
     of the Northern Mariana Islands.
       ``(16) State domestic violence coalition.--The term `State 
     Domestic Violence Coalition' means a statewide 
     nongovernmental nonprofit private domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family organization designated by the Secretary 
     that--
       ``(A) has a membership that includes a majority of the 
     primary-purpose domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence service providers in the State;
       ``(B) has board membership that is representative of 
     primary-purpose domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence service providers, and which may include 
     representatives of the communities in which the services are 
     being provided in the State;
       ``(C) has as its purpose to provide education, support, and 
     technical assistance to such service providers to enable the 
     providers to establish and maintain shelter and supportive 
     services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence and their children and dependents; and
       ``(D) serves as an information clearinghouse, primary point 
     of contact, and resource center on domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence for the State and supports the 
     development of polices, protocols, and procedures to enhance 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     intervention and prevention in the State.
       ``(17) Supportive services.--The term `supportive services' 
     means services for adult and youth victims of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence, and children 
     and dependents exposed to domestic violence, dating violence, 
     or family violence, that are designed to--
       ``(A) meet the needs of such victims of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, or family violence, and their children and 
     dependents, for short-term, transitional, or long-term 
     safety; and
       ``(B) provide counseling, advocacy, or assistance for 
     victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or family 
     violence, and their children and dependents.
       ``(18) Technological abuse.--The term `technological abuse' 
     means an act or pattern of behavior that--
       ``(A) occurs within domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence;
       ``(B) is intended to harm, threaten, intimidate, control, 
     stalk, harass, impersonate, exploit, extort, or monitor, 
     except as otherwise permitted by law, another person; and
       ``(C) uses any form of information technology, including 
     any of the following:
       ``(i) Internet-enabled devices.
       ``(ii) Online spaces or platforms.
       ``(iii) Computers, mobile devices, or software 
     applications.
       ``(iv) Location tracking devices.
       ``(v) Communication technologies.
       ``(vi) Cameras or imaging platforms.
       ``(vii) Any other emerging technology.
       ``(19) Tribal domestic violence coalition.--The term 
     `Tribal domestic violence coalition' means an established 
     nonprofit, nongovernmental Indian organization recognized by 
     the Office of Violence Against Women at the Department of 
     Justice that--
       ``(A) provides education, support, and technical assistance 
     to member Indian service providers in a manner that enables 
     the member providers to establish and maintain culturally 
     appropriate services, including shelter (including supportive 
     services) designed to assist Indian victims of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence and the 
     children and dependents of such victims; and
       ``(B) is comprised of members that are representative of--
       ``(i) the member service providers described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(ii) the Tribal communities in which the services are 
     being provided.
       ``(20) Tribally designated official.--The term `Tribally 
     designated official' means an individual designated by an 
     Indian Tribe, Tribal organization, or nonprofit private 
     organization authorized by an Indian Tribe, to administer a 
     grant under section 309.
       ``(21) Underserved populations; underserved individuals.--
     The terms `underserved populations' and `underserved 
     individuals' mean victims of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence, and their children and 
     dependents who face obstacles in accessing and using State, 
     Tribal, territorial, or local domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence services, or who may be 
     overrepresented in experiencing domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence due to historical barriers. 
     Populations may be underserved on the basis of, marginalized 
     racial and ethnic minority populations, Indigenous status, 
     cultural and language barriers, immigration status, 
     disabilities, mental health needs, sexual orientation or 
     gender identity, age (including both elders and children), 
     geographical location, faith or religious practice or lack 
     thereof, or other bases, as determined by the Secretary.
       ``(22) Victim.--The term `victim' means an individual 
     against whom an act of domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence is carried out.
       ``(23) Youth.--The term `youth' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 4002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act (34 
     U.S.C. 12291(a)(45)).''.

     SEC. 4. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 303 (42 U.S.C. 10403) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 303. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       ``(a) Authorization.--
       ``(1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated 
     to carry out sections 301 through 312 and 316, $270,000,000 
     for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(2) Reservations for grants to tribes.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, 12.5 
     percent shall be reserved and used to carry out section 309.

[[Page H5887]]

       ``(3) Formula grants to states.--Of the amounts 
     appropriated under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year and not 
     reserved under paragraph (2) (referred to in this subsection 
     as the `remainder'), not less than 70 percent shall be used 
     for making grants under section 306(a).
       ``(4) Technical assistance and training centers.--Of the 
     remainder, not less than 6 percent shall be used to carry out 
     section 310.
       ``(5) Grants for state and tribal domestic violence 
     coalitions.--Of the remainder--
       ``(A) not less than 10 percent shall be used to carry out 
     section 311; and
       ``(B) not less than 3 percent shall be used to carry out 
     section 311A.
       ``(6) Specialized services.--Of the remainder, not less 
     than 5 percent shall be used to carry out section 312.
       ``(7) Culturally specific services.--Of the remainder, not 
     less 2.5 percent shall be used to carry out section 316.
       ``(8) Administration, evaluation, and monitoring.--Of the 
     remainder, not more than 3.5 percent shall be used by the 
     Secretary for evaluation, monitoring, and other 
     administrative costs under this title.
       ``(b) National Domestic Violence Hotline.--There is 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 313 
     $14,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(c) National Indian Domestic Violence Hotline.--There is 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 313A 
     $4,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(d) Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and 
     Leadership Through Alliances.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated to carry out section 314 $26,000,000 for each of 
     fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(e) Grants for Underserved Populations.--There is 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out section 315 
     $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026.
       ``(f) Research and Evaluation.--There is authorized to be 
     appropriated for research and evaluation of activities under 
     this title $3,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 
     2026.''.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORITY OF SECRETARY.

       Section 304 (42 U.S.C. 10404) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or institutions of 
     higher education, including to support and evaluate 
     demonstration or discretionary projects in response to 
     current and emerging issues,'' after ``nongovernmental 
     entities''; and
       (B) in paragraph (4), by striking ``CAPTA Reauthorization 
     Act of 2010'' and inserting ``Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Improvement Act of 2021'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``have expertise in the 
     field of family violence and domestic violence prevention and 
     services and, to the extent practicable, have expertise in 
     the field of dating violence;'' and inserting ``have 
     expertise in the field of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence prevention and services;'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``prevention and 
     treatment of'' and inserting ``prevention of, intervention 
     in, and treatment of,''; and
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``; and'' and 
     inserting a semicolon; and
       (ii) by adding after subparagraph (C) the following:
       ``(D) making grants to eligible entities or entering into 
     contracts with for-profit or nonprofit nongovernmental 
     entities or institutions of higher education to conduct 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     research or evaluation; and''; and
       (3) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) Emergency Authority.--
       ``(1) In general.--In response to any emergency or disaster 
     described in paragraph (3), that substantially disrupts the 
     provision of services under this title for the duration of 
     the emergency or disaster, the Secretary may--
       ``(A) modify or broaden the allowable uses of funds by 
     grantees and subgrantees solely to ensure the continuity of 
     services authorized under this title, including for remote 
     and mobile service delivery; and
       ``(B) modify or waive any administrative conditions, 
     processes, or deadlines, including with respect to--
       ``(i) application requirements;
       ``(ii) reporting requirements; and
       ``(iii) grant award extensions.
       ``(2) Construction.--Nothing in this subsection shall be 
     construed to allow altering or waiving the requirements in 
     section 306(c)(2).
       ``(3) Emergencies described.--The emergencies and disasters 
     described in this paragraph are the following:
       ``(A) A major disaster declared by the President under 
     section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 
     Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170).
       ``(B) An emergency declared by the President under section 
     501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency 
     Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5191).
       ``(C) A public health emergency determined by the Secretary 
     of Health and Human Services pursuant to section 319 of the 
     Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d).''.

     SEC. 6. ALLOTMENT OF FUNDS.

       Section 305 (42 U.S.C. 10405) is amended--
       (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
       ``(a) In General.--From the sums appropriated under section 
     303 and available for grants to States under section 306(a) 
     for any fiscal year, each State shall be allotted for a grant 
     under section 306(a), $600,000, with the remaining funds to 
     be allotted to each State (other than Guam, American Samoa, 
     the United States Virgin Islands, and the Commonwealth of the 
     Northern Mariana Islands) in an amount that bears the same 
     ratio to such remaining funds as the population of such State 
     bears to the population of all such States (excluding Guam, 
     American Samoa, the United States Virgin Islands, and the 
     Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).'';
       (2) in subsection (e), by striking ``under section 314'' 
     each place such term appears and inserting ``under this 
     title''; and
       (3) by striking subsection (f).

     SEC. 7. FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES.

       Section 306 (42 U.S.C. 10406) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``dependents'' and 
     inserting ``children and dependents''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``Indians, members of 
     Indian Tribes, or'' after ``who are'';
       (2) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
       ``(A) Application of civil rights provisions.--Programs and 
     activities funded in whole or in part with funds made 
     available under this title are considered to be programs and 
     activities receiving Federal financial assistance for the 
     purpose of applying the prohibitions against discrimination 
     under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et 
     seq.), section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
     U.S.C. 794), title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 
     U.S.C. 1681 et seq.), section 40002(b)(13)(A) of the Violence 
     Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(13)(A)), and 
     title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d et 
     seq.).'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)(i)--

       (I) by inserting ``, including sexual orientation or gender 
     identity,'' after ``on the ground of sex''; and
       (II) by striking the second sentence and inserting the 
     following: ``If sex-segregated or sex-specific programming is 
     necessary to the essential operation of a program, nothing in 
     this paragraph shall prevent any such program or activity 
     from being provided in a sex-specific manner. In such 
     circumstances, grantees may meet the requirements of this 
     paragraph by providing comparable services to individuals who 
     cannot be provided with the sex-segregated or sex-specific 
     programming.'';

       (iii) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) by striking ``Indian tribe'' and inserting ``Indian 
     Tribe''; and
       (II) by striking ``tribally'' and inserting ``Tribally''; 
     and

       (iv) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``Indian tribe'' and 
     inserting ``Indian Tribe'';
       (B) by striking paragraph (4);
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (5) and (6) as paragraphs 
     (4) and (5), respectively;
       (D) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the 
     following: ``The nondisclosure of confidential or private 
     information requirements under section 40002(b)(2) of the 
     Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (34 U.S.C. 12291(b)(2)) 
     shall apply to grantees and subgrantees under this title in 
     the same manner such requirements apply to grantees and 
     subgrantees under such Act.'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (G)(i), by striking ``tribal'' and 
     inserting ``Tribal'';
       (iii) by striking subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F); and
       (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (E), (G), and (H) as 
     subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D), respectively; and
       (E) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``Indian tribe'' and inserting ``Indian 
     Tribe''; and
       (ii) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal''; and
       (3) in subsection (d) by inserting ``and information on the 
     development and implementation of barrier removal plans to 
     ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 
     1990 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 
     U.S.C. 794)'' after ``activities,''.

     SEC. 8. STATE APPLICATION.

       Section 307 (42 U.S.C. 10407) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``tribally'' and inserting ``Tribally''; 
     and
       (ii) by adding ``For purposes of section 2007(c)(3) of the 
     Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, a State's 
     application under this paragraph shall be deemed to be a 
     `State plan'.'' at the end; and
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``assurances'' and inserting ``certifications''; and
       (II) in clause (iii)--

       (aa) in subclause (I)--
       (AA) by striking ``operation of shelters'' and inserting 
     ``provision of shelter''; and
       (BB) by striking ``dependents'' and inserting ``children 
     and dependents''; and
       (bb) in subclause (II), by striking ``dependents'' and 
     inserting ``children and dependents'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``an assurance'' and 
     inserting ``a certification'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (D)--

       (I) by striking ``an assurance'' and inserting ``a 
     certification'';
       (II) by striking ``planning and monitoring'' and inserting 
     ``planning, coordination, and monitoring''; and
       (III) by striking ``and the administration of the grant 
     programs and projects'' and inserting ``, the administration 
     of the grant programs and projects, and the establishment of 
     service standards and best practices for grantees'';

       (iv) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``to underserved 
     populations'' and all that follows through the semicolon and 
     inserting ``for individuals from racial and ethnic minority 
     groups, Tribal populations, and other underserved 
     populations, in the State planning process, and

[[Page H5888]]

     how the State plan addresses the unmet needs of such 
     populations, including a certification and description of how 
     the State or Indian Tribe will disseminate information about 
     the national resource centers authorized under section 
     310;'';
       (v) in subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G), by striking 
     ``Indian tribe'' each place such term appears and inserting 
     ``Indian Tribe'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``tribally'' and 
     inserting ``Tribally'';
       (vii) by redesignating subparagraphs (H) and (I) as 
     subparagraphs (I) and (J), respectively;
       (viii) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
       ``(H) describe how activities and services provided by the 
     State or Indian Tribe are designed to promote trauma-informed 
     care, autonomy, and privacy for victims of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence, and their children and 
     dependents, including in the design and delivery of shelter 
     services;'';
       (ix) in subparagraph (I), as so redesignated--

       (I) by striking ``tribe'' and inserting ``Tribe'';
       (II) by striking ``an assurance'' and inserting ``a 
     certification'';
       (III) by inserting ``, remove, or exclude'' after ``bar''; 
     and
       (IV) by striking ``and'' at the end;

       (x) in subparagraph (J), as so redesignated, by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (xi) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(K) provide a certification that all funded entities 
     demonstrate the ability to provide services for Deaf 
     individuals and individuals with disabilities in compliance 
     with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and section 
     504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794).''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (2), by striking ``tribe'' each place such 
     term appears and inserting ``Tribe''; and
       (B) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Indian tribes'' each 
     place such term appears and inserting ``Indian Tribes''.

     SEC. 9. SUBGRANTS AND USES OF FUNDS.

       Section 308 (42 U.S.C. 10408) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``that is designed'' and inserting ``that 
     are designed''; and
       (B) by striking ``dependents'' and inserting ``children and 
     dependents'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``shelter, supportive services, or 
     prevention services'' and inserting ``shelter or supportive 
     services'';
       (II) by inserting ``or prevention services'' after 
     ``dependents,''; and
       (III) by striking ``include--'' and inserting ``include 
     making material improvements in the accessibility of physical 
     structures, transportation, communication, or digital 
     services, as well as--'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``developing safety 
     plans'' and inserting ``safety planning'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (E), by inserting ``for racial and 
     ethnic minority groups'' before the semicolon;
       (iv) by redesignating subparagraphs (F) through (H) as 
     subparagraphs (G) through (I), respectively;
       (v) by inserting after subparagraph (E) the following:
       ``(F) provision of shelter and services to underserved 
     populations;'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (H), as so redesignated--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``Federal and State'' and 
     inserting ``Federal, State, and local'';
       (II) in clause (iii), by striking ``mental health, alcohol, 
     and drug abuse treatment), but which shall not include 
     reimbursement for any health care services'' and inserting 
     ``mental health and substance use disorder treatment)'';
       (III) in clause (v), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (IV) by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (vii);
       (V) by inserting after clause (v) the following:

       ``(vi) language assistance, including translation of 
     written materials and telephonic and in-person interpreter 
     services, for victims with limited English proficiency, 
     victims who are Deaf or hard of hearing, victims with sensory 
     disabilities (including individuals who are blind or low 
     vision), victims with speech-related disabilities, and 
     victims with other disabilities; and''; and

       (VI) in clause (vii), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``and'' at the end;

       (vii) in subparagraph (I), as so redesignated, by striking 
     the period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
       (viii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(J) partnerships that enhance the design and delivery of 
     services to victims and their children and dependents.'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by striking ``supportive services and prevention 
     services'' and inserting ``supportive services or prevention 
     services''; and
       (ii) by striking ``through (H)'' and inserting ``through 
     (I)'';
       (C) by striking ``dependents'' each place such term appears 
     (other than in paragraph (1)(J)) and inserting ``children and 
     dependents''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Sense of congress regarding use of funds for removal 
     of architectural barriers to accessibility.--It is the sense 
     of the Congress that--
       ``(A) Deaf individuals and individuals with disabilities 
     experience domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence at disproportionate rates;
       ``(B) domestic violence shelters are often not equipped to 
     provide effective services to Deaf individuals and 
     individuals with disabilities, which can act as an impediment 
     to victims seeking and receiving services; and
       ``(C) the Secretary should allow subgrant funds received 
     under this section to be used for making material 
     improvements in the accessibility of physical structures, 
     transportation, communication, or digital services.'';
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``a local public agency, or''; and
       (ii) by striking ``tribal organizations, and voluntary 
     associations),'' and inserting ``Tribal organizations and 
     voluntary associations) or a local public agency''; and
       (iii) by striking ``dependents'' and inserting ``children 
     and dependents''; and
       (B) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
       ``(2) an organization whose primary purpose is to provide 
     culturally appropriate services to racial and ethnic minority 
     groups, Tribal communities, or other underserved populations, 
     that does not have a documented history of effective work 
     concerning domestic violence, dating violence, or family 
     violence, but that is in partnership with an organization 
     described in paragraph (1).''; and
       (4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
       ``(d) Voluntarily Accepted Services.--Participation in 
     services under this title shall be voluntary. Receipt of the 
     benefits of shelter described in subsection (b)(1)(A) shall 
     not be conditioned upon the participation of the adult or 
     youth, or their children or dependents, in any or all of the 
     services offered under this title.''.

     SEC. 10. GRANTS FOR INDIAN TRIBES.

       Section 309 (42 U.S.C. 10409) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``42 U.S.C. 14045d'' and inserting ``34 
     U.S.C. 20126'';
       (B) by striking ``tribal'' and inserting ``Tribal'';
       (C) by striking ``Indian tribes'' and inserting ``Indian 
     Tribes''; and
       (D) by striking ``section 303(a)(2)(B)'' and inserting 
     ``section 303 and made available''; and
       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``Indian tribe'' each place such term 
     appears and inserting ``Indian Tribe''; and
       (B) by striking ``tribal organization'' each place such 
     term appears and inserting ``Tribal organization''.

     SEC. 11. NATIONAL RESOURCE CENTERS AND TRAINING AND TECHNICAL 
                   ASSISTANCE CENTERS.

       Section 310 (42 U.S.C. 10410) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
       (A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``under this title and reserved under section 303(a)(2)(C)'' 
     and inserting ``under section 303 and made available to carry 
     out this section'';
       (B) in subparagraph (A)--
       (i) in clause (i), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (ii) in clause (ii)--

       (I) by striking ``7'' and inserting ``10''; and
       (II) by inserting ``dating violence, and family violence,'' 
     after ``domestic violence,''; and

       (iii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(iii) an Alaska Native Tribal resource center on domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence, to reduce 
     disparities in the rate of such violence within the Alaska 
     Native population; and''; and
       (C) in subparagraph (B)--
       (i) in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 
     ``grants, to'' and inserting ``grants to entities that focus 
     on other critical issues, such as'';
       (ii) in clause (i)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence,'' after ``domestic violence'';
       (II) by striking ``(including Alaska Native)''; and
       (III) by striking ``and'' at the end; and

       (iii) by amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
       ``(ii) entities demonstrating expertise related to--

       ``(I) addressing the housing needs of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence victims and their 
     children and dependents;
       ``(II) developing leadership and advocacy skills among 
     individuals from underserved populations; or
       ``(III) addressing other emerging issues related to 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence.'';

       (2) in subsection (b)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in clause (i)--

       (aa) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence'' after ``domestic violence'' each place such term 
     appears; and
       (bb) by inserting ``and dependents'' after ``children''; 
     and

       (II) in clause (ii)--

       (aa) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting 
     ``online'' after ``central'';
       (bb) in subclause (I), by striking ``family violence and 
     domestic violence'' and inserting ``domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence''; and
       (cc) in subclause (II), by inserting ``, dating violence, 
     and family violence'' after ``domestic violence''; and
       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i)--

       (aa) by striking ``tribes and tribal organizations'' and 
     inserting ``Tribes and Tribal organizations'';
       (bb) by striking ``the tribes'' and inserting ``the 
     Tribes'';
       (cc) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence'' after ``domestic violence''; and
       (dd) by striking ``42'' and all the follows through 
     ``3796gg-10 note'' and inserting ``34 U.S.C. 10452 note'';

[[Page H5889]]

       (II) in clause (ii)--

       (aa) by striking ``tribes and tribal organizations'' and 
     inserting ``Tribes and Tribal organizations''; and
       (bb) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence'' after ``domestic violence'';
       (cc) by striking ``42'' and all that follows through 
     ``3796gg-10 note'' and inserting ``34 U.S.C. 10452 note''; 
     and

       (III) in clause (iii)--

       (aa) by inserting ``dating violence, and family violence,'' 
     after ``domestic violence,''; and
       (bb) by inserting ``the Office for Victims of Crime and'' 
     after ``Human Services, and'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``State and local domestic violence service 
     providers'' and inserting ``support effective policy, 
     practice, research, and cross systems collaboration''; and
       (II) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence'' after ``enhancing domestic violence'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``to domestic violence''; and
       (II) by striking ``which may include the response to the 
     use of the self-defense plea by domestic violence victims and 
     the issuance and use of protective orders'' and inserting 
     ``including the issuance and use of protective orders, 
     batterers' intervention programming, and responses to 
     charged, incarcerated, and re-entering domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence victims'';

       (iii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence'' each place such term appears; and
       (II) by striking ``dependents'' and inserting ``children'';

       (iv) in subparagraph (C)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence'' the first place such term 
     appears; and
       (II) by inserting ``, and the response of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence programs and 
     other community organizations with respect to health advocacy 
     and addressing the health of victims'' before the period;

       (v) by amending subparagraph (D) to read as follows:
       ``(D) The response of mental health, substance use disorder 
     treatment and recovery, domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence and related systems and programs to 
     victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence and their children and dependents who experience 
     psychological trauma, mental health needs, or substance-use-
     related needs.'';
       (vi) in subparagraph (E); by inserting ``, dating violence, 
     and family violence'' after ``domestic violence'' each place 
     such term appears; and
       (vii) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) The response of the domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence programs and related systems to 
     victims who are underserved due to sexual orientation or 
     gender identity, including expanding the capacity of lesbian, 
     gay, bisexual, and transgender organizations to respond to 
     and prevent domestic violence.
       ``(G) Strengthening the organizational capacity of State, 
     territorial, and Tribal domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence coalitions and of State, territorial, and 
     Tribal administrators who distribute funds under this title 
     to community-based domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence programs, with the aim of better enabling 
     such coalitions and administrators--
       ``(i) to collaborate and respond effectively to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence;
       ``(ii) to meet the conditions and carry out the provisions 
     of this title; and
       ``(iii) to implement best practices to meet the emerging 
     needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence and their families, children, and dependents.
       ``(H) The response of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence service providers to victims who are Deaf 
     and victims with disabilities, including expanding the 
     capacity of community-based organizations serving individuals 
     who are Deaf and individuals with disabilities to respond to, 
     and prevent, domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence.'';
       (C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
       (D) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
       ``(3) Alaska native tribal resource center.--In accordance 
     with subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall award a grant to 
     an eligible entity for an Alaska Native Tribal resource 
     center on domestic violence to reduce Tribal disparities, 
     which shall--
       ``(A) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance 
     and training resources to Indian Tribes and Tribal 
     organizations, specifically designed to enhance the capacity 
     of the Tribes and organizations to respond to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence and the 
     findings of section 901 and purposes in section 902 of the 
     Violence Against Women and Department of Justice 
     Reauthorization Act of 2005 (34 U.S.C. 10452 note);
       ``(B) coordinate all projects and activities with the 
     national resource center described in paragraph (1)(B), 
     including projects and activities that involve working with 
     non-Tribal State and local governments to enhance their 
     capacity to understand the unique needs of Alaska Natives;
       ``(C) work with non-Tribal State and local governments and 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     service providers to enhance their capacity to understand the 
     unique needs of Alaska Natives;
       ``(D) provide comprehensive community education and 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     prevention initiatives in a culturally sensitive and relevant 
     manner; and
       ``(E) coordinate activities with other Federal agencies, 
     offices, and grantees that address the needs of Alaska 
     Natives that experience domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence, including the Office of Justice Services 
     of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, 
     and the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office on 
     Violence Against Women of the Department of Justice.''; and
       (E) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated--
       (i) in subparagraphs (A) and (B)(i), by striking ``Indian 
     tribes, tribal organizations'' each place such term appears 
     and inserting ``Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (A). by inserting ``, dating violence, 
     and family violence'' after ``domestic violence'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``the tribes'' and inserting 
     ``the Tribes'';
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``nontribal'' and 
     inserting ``non-Tribal''; and
       (III) in clause (iii), by inserting ``, dating violence, 
     and family violence'' after ``domestic violence''; and

       (iv) by striking ``(including Alaska Natives)'' each place 
     such term appears; and
       (3) in subsection (c)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence''; and
       (II) by striking ``or (D)'' and inserting ``(D), (F), or 
     (G)'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``dating violence, 
     and family violence,'' after ``domestic violence,''; and
       (iii) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
       ``(B) includes individuals with demonstrated experience 
     working in domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence programs, and, with respect to grantees described in 
     subsection (b)(2)(F), individuals with demonstrated expertise 
     in serving the targeted communities on the board of directors 
     (or advisory committee) and on the staff; and'';
       (B) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence'' each place such term appears;
       (ii) by striking ``tribal organization'' each place such 
     term appears and inserting ``Tribal organization'';
       (iii) by striking ``Indian tribes'' each place such term 
     appears and inserting ``Indian Tribes'';
       (iv) by striking ``42'' and all that follows through 
     ``3796gg-10 note'' each place such term appears and inserting 
     ``34 U.S.C. 10452 note''; and
       (v) by striking ``tribally'' and inserting ``Tribally'';
       (C) in paragraph (3)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence'' the first place such term 
     appears; and
       (II) by inserting ``, dating violence, or family violence'' 
     after ``domestic violence'' the second place such term 
     appears; and

       (ii) in subparagraph (B)--

       (I) in clause (i), by inserting ``, dating violence, and 
     family violence'' after ``domestic violence'' ; and
       (II) in clause (ii), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
     semicolon;
       (III) in clause (iii), by striking the period and inserting 
     ``; and''; and
       (IV) by adding at the end the following:

       ``(iv) has a board of directors (or advisory committee) and 
     staff with demonstrated expertise in serving the targeted 
     community.'';
       (D) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5);
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
       ``(4) Alaska native tribal resource center on domestic 
     violence.--To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection 
     (b)(3), an entity shall be a Tribal organization or a 
     nonprofit private organization that focuses primarily on 
     issues of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence within Tribes in Alaska that submits information to 
     the Secretary demonstrating--
       ``(A) experience working with Alaska Tribes and Tribal 
     organizations to respond to domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence and the findings of section 901 
     of the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice 
     Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-162; 34 U.S.C. 
     10452 note);
       ``(B) experience providing Alaska Tribes and Tribal 
     organizations with assistance in developing Tribally based 
     prevention and intervention services addressing domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence and safety for 
     Indian women consistent with the purposes of section 902 of 
     the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice 
     Reauthorization Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-162; 34 U.S.C. 
     10452 note);
       ``(C) strong support for the entity's designation as the 
     Alaska Native Tribal resource center on domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence from advocates working 
     with Alaska Tribes to address domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence and the safety of Alaska Native 
     women;
       ``(D) a record of demonstrated effectiveness in assisting 
     Alaska Tribes and Tribal organizations with prevention and 
     intervention services addressing domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence; and
       ``(E) the capacity to serve Tribes across the State of 
     Alaska.''; and
       (F) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 
     ``(b)(3),'' and inserting ``(b)(4),''; and

[[Page H5890]]

       (ii) in subparagraph (A)--

       (I) in clause (i), by striking ``(including Alaska 
     Natives)''; and
       (II) in clause (ii)--

       (aa) by striking ``Indian tribe, tribal organization'' and 
     inserting ``Indian Tribe, Tribal organization''; and
       (bb) by inserting ``, dating violence, and family 
     violence'' after ``domestic violence''.

     SEC. 12. GRANTS TO STATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITIONS.

       Section 311 (42 U.S.C. 10411) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``section 
     303(a)(2)(D)'' and inserting ``section 303 and made available 
     to carry out this section'';
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``shall include'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by inserting ``, and evidence-informed prevention of,'' 
     after ``comprehensive responses to''; and
       (ii) by striking ``working with local'' and inserting 
     ``shall include--
       ``(A) working with local'';
       (C) by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as 
     subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively, and adjusting the 
     margins accordingly;
       (D) in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), as so 
     redesignated--
       (i) by striking ``dependents'' and inserting ``children and 
     dependents''; and
       (ii) by adding ``and'' after the semicolon; and
       (E) by inserting after subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1), 
     as so redesignated, the following:
       ``(D) collaborating with Indian Tribes and Tribal 
     organizations (and corresponding Native Hawaiian groups or 
     communities) to address the needs of Indian (including Alaska 
     Native) and Native Hawaiian victims of domestic violence, 
     dating violence, or family violence, as applicable in the 
     State; and'';
       (F) in paragraph (4), by striking ``collaborating with and 
     providing'' and inserting ``may include--
       ``(A) collaborating with and providing'';
       (G) by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (2);
       (H) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``health care, mental health'' and inserting ``health care 
     (including mental health and substance use disorder 
     treatment)'';
       (I) in paragraph (6), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) 
     and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and adjusting 
     the margins accordingly;
       (J) by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (7) as 
     subparagraphs (B) through (D), respectively, and adjusting 
     the margins accordingly;
       (K) in clause (ii) of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2), as 
     so redesignated, by striking ``child abuse is present;'' and 
     inserting ``there is a co-occurrence of child abuse; and'';
       (L) by striking paragraph (8); and
       (M) in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (2), as so 
     redesignated, by striking ``; and'' and inserting a period;
       (3) by striking subsection (e);
       (4) by redesignating subsections (f) through (h) as 
     subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and
       (5) in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``Indian tribes and tribal organizations'' and inserting 
     ``Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations''.

     SEC. 13. GRANTS TO TRIBAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITIONS.

       The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 
     10401 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 311 the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 311A. GRANTS TO TRIBAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COALITIONS.

       ``(a) Grants Authorized.--Beginning with fiscal year 2022, 
     out of amounts appropriated under section 303 and made 
     available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the 
     Secretary shall award grants to eligible entities in 
     accordance with this section.
       ``(b) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
     under this section, an entity shall be a Tribal domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence coalition that 
     is recognized by the Office on Violence Against Women of the 
     Department of Justice that provides services to Indian 
     Tribes.
       ``(c) Application.--Each Tribal domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence coalition desiring a grant under 
     this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
     the Secretary may require. The application submitted by the 
     coalition for the grant shall provide documentation of the 
     coalition's work, demonstrating that the coalition--
       ``(1) meets all the applicable requirements set forth in 
     this section; and
       ``(2) has the ability to conduct all activities described 
     in this section, as indicated by--
       ``(A) a documented experience in administering Federal 
     grants to conduct the activities described in subsection (d); 
     or
       ``(B) a documented history of activities to further the 
     purposes of this section set forth in subsection (d).
       ``(d) Use of Funds.--A Tribal domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence coalition eligible under 
     subsection (b) that receives a grant under this section may 
     use the grant funds for administration and operation to 
     further the purposes of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence intervention and prevention activities, 
     including--
       ``(1) working with local Tribal domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence service programs and providers 
     of direct services to encourage appropriate and comprehensive 
     responses to domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence against adults or youth within the Indian Tribes 
     served, including providing training and technical assistance 
     and conducting Tribal needs assessments;
       ``(2) participating in planning and monitoring the 
     distribution of subgrants and subgrant funds within the State 
     under section 308(a);
       ``(3) working in collaboration with Tribal service 
     providers and community-based organizations to address the 
     needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence, and their children and dependents;
       ``(4) collaborating with, and providing information to, 
     entities in such fields as housing, health care (including 
     mental health and substance use disorder treatment), social 
     welfare, education, and law enforcement to support the 
     development and implementation of effective policies;
       ``(5) supporting the development and implementation of 
     effective policies, protocols, and programs that address the 
     safety and support needs of adult and youth Tribal victims of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence;
       ``(6) encouraging appropriate responses to cases of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence 
     against adults or youth, by working with Tribal, State, and 
     Federal judicial agencies and law enforcement agencies;
       ``(7) working with Tribal, State, and Federal judicial 
     agencies, including family law judges, criminal court judges, 
     child protective service agencies, and children's advocates 
     to develop appropriate responses to child custody and 
     visitation issues--
       ``(A) in cases of child exposure to domestic violence, 
     dating violence, or family violence; or
       ``(B) in cases in which--
       ``(i) domestic violence, dating violence, or family 
     violence is present; and
       ``(ii) child abuse is present;
       ``(8) providing information to the public about prevention 
     of domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     within Indian Tribes;
       ``(9) assisting Indian Tribes' participation in, and 
     attendance of, Federal and State consultations on domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence, including 
     consultations mandated by the Violence Against Women Act of 
     1994 (title IV of Public Law 103-322), the Victims of Crime 
     Act of 1984 (34 U.S.C. 20101 et seq.), or this title; and
       ``(10) providing shelter or supportive services to Tribal 
     adult and youth victims of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence, and their children and 
     dependents.
       ``(e) Reallocation.--If, at the end of the sixth month of 
     any fiscal year for which sums are appropriated under section 
     303 and made available to carry out this section, a portion 
     of the available amount has not been awarded to Tribal 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence 
     coalitions for grants under this section because of the 
     failure of such coalitions to meet the requirements for such 
     grants, then the Secretary shall award such portion, in equal 
     shares, to Tribal domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence coalitions that meet such requirements.''.

     SEC. 14. SPECIALIZED SERVICES FOR CAREGIVERS AND THEIR 
                   CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC 
                   VIOLENCE, DATING VIOLENCE, AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.

       Section 312 (42 U.S.C. 10412) is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by striking ``abused parents 
     and their children'' and inserting ``parents, caregivers and 
     children and youth who have been exposed to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence'';
       (2) in subsection (a)--
       (A) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``family violence, domestic violence, and 
     dating violence service programs and community-based programs 
     to prevent future domestic violence by addressing, in an 
     appropriate manner, the needs of children'' and inserting 
     ``domestic violence, dating violence, family violence, and 
     culturally specific community-based programs to serve 
     children and youth''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``, and to support the caregiving 
     capacity of adult victims or other caregivers'' before the 
     period; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``more than 2'' the first 
     place it appears and inserting ``less than 3'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by inserting ``or State domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence services'' after ``local'';
       (B) by inserting ``a culturally specific organization,'' 
     after ``associations),'';
       (C) by striking ``tribal organization'' and inserting 
     ``Tribal organization'';
       (D) by inserting ``adult and child'' after ``serving''; and
       (E) by striking ``and their children''; and
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) a description of how the entity will prioritize the 
     safety of, and confidentiality of information about adult and 
     child victims of domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence;'';
       (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``developmentally 
     appropriate and age-appropriate services, and culturally and 
     linguistically appropriate services, to the victims and 
     children; and'' and inserting ``trauma-informed and age, 
     gender, developmentally, culturally, and linguistically 
     appropriate services to children and youth, and their 
     caregivers;'';
       (C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``appropriate and 
     relevant to the unique needs of children exposed to family 
     violence, domestic violence, or dating violence.'' and 
     inserting ``relevant to the unique needs of children and 
     youth exposed to domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence, including children and youth with 
     disabilities and children from underserved populations, and 
     address the parent's or caregiver's ongoing caregiving 
     capacity; and''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:

[[Page H5891]]

       ``(4) a description of prevention activities targeting 
     child and youth victims of family violence, domestic 
     violence, or dating violence.'';
       (5) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking 
     ``community-based program described in subsection (a)'' and 
     inserting ``culturally specific, community-based program'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)(A)--
       (i) by striking ``victims of family violence, domestic 
     violence, or dating violence and their children'' and 
     inserting ``child and adult victims of family violence, 
     domestic violence, or dating violence, including children and 
     youth with disabilities and children and youth from 
     underserved populations''; and
       (ii) by inserting ``or the health system'' before the 
     semicolon; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``mental'' and 
     inserting ``behavioral'';
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``community-based 
     organizations serving victims of family violence, domestic 
     violence, or dating violence or children exposed to family 
     violence, domestic violence, or dating violence'' and 
     inserting ``health, education, or other community-based 
     organizations serving adult and child victims of family 
     violence, domestic violence, or dating violence''; and
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``health,'' after 
     ``transportation,''; and
       (6) in subsection (e)--
       (A) by inserting ``shall participate in an evaluation and'' 
     after ``under this section''; and
       (B) by striking ``contain an evaluation of'' and inserting 
     ``information on''.

     SEC. 15. NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE GRANT.

       Section 313 (42 U.S.C. 10413) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by striking ``telephone'' and inserting ``telephonic 
     and digital services'';
       (B) by striking ``a hotline that provides'' and inserting 
     ``a hotline and digital services that provide''; and
       (C) by inserting before the period at the end of the second 
     sentence the following: ``, and who provide information about 
     healthy relationships for adults and youth'';
       (2) in subsection (d)--
       (A) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting 
     ``and digital services'' after ``hotline'';
       (ii) in subparagraphs (A) and (B), by striking ``hotline 
     personnel'' each place such term appears and inserting 
     ``advocacy personnel'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``are able to 
     effectively operate any technological systems used by the 
     hotline'' and inserting ``or digital services are able to 
     effectively operate any technological systems used by the 
     hotline or provide any digital services, as applicable'';
       (iv) in subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F), by inserting ``and 
     digital services'' after ``hotline'' each place such term 
     appears;
       (v) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``persons with hearing 
     impairments'' and inserting ``individuals who are Deaf or 
     hard of hearing, those with speech-related disabilities, 
     those with sensory disabilities (including those who are 
     blind or low vision), and individuals with other 
     disabilities, including training for hotline personnel to 
     support such access''; and
       (vi) in subparagraph (G), by striking ``teen dating 
     violence hotline'' and inserting ``youth dating violence 
     hotline and other digital services and resources'';
       (B) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, digital services,'' 
     after ``hotline'';
       (C) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:
       ``(5) demonstrate the ability to--
       ``(A) provide information and referrals for individuals 
     contacting the hotline via telephonic or digital services;
       ``(B) directly connect callers or assist digital services 
     users in connecting to service providers; and
       ``(C) employ crisis interventions meeting the standards of 
     family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence 
     providers;'';
       (D) by redesignating paragraphs (6) through (8) as 
     paragraphs (7) through (9), respectively; and
       (E) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
       ``(6) demonstrate the ability to provide information about 
     healthy relationships for adults and youth;'';
       (3) in subsection (e)--
       (A) in the heading, by inserting ``and Digital Services'' 
     after ``Hotline'';
       (B) in paragraph (1)--
       (i) by striking ``telephone hotline'' and inserting 
     ``telephonic hotline and digital services''; and
       (ii) by striking ``assistance to adult'' and inserting 
     ``for the benefit of adult''; and
       (C) in paragraph (2)--
       (i) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and an internet 
     service provider for the use of operating digital services'' 
     before the semicolon;
       (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``, provide 
     counseling and referral services for callers on a 24-hour-a-
     day basis, and directly connect callers'' and inserting ``and 
     digital services contracts, provide counseling, healthy 
     relationship information, and referral services for callers 
     and digital services users, on a 24-hour-a-day basis, and 
     directly connect callers and digital services users'';
       (iii) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ``or digital 
     services users'' after ``callers'';
       (iv) in subparagraph (D), by inserting ``and digital 
     services'' after ``hotline'';
       (v) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``underserved 
     populations'' and inserting ``racial and ethnic minority 
     groups, Tribal and underserved populations,''; and
       (vi) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``teen dating 
     violence hotline'' and inserting ``hotline or digital 
     services''; and
       (4) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(g) Administration, Evaluation, and Monitoring.--Of 
     amounts made available to carry out this section, not more 
     than 4 percent may be used by the Secretary for evaluation, 
     monitoring, and other administrative costs under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 16. NATIONAL INDIAN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE GRANT.

       (a) Purpose.--The purpose of this section is to increase 
     the availability of information and assistance to Indian 
     adult or youth victims of family violence, domestic violence, 
     or dating violence, family and household members of such 
     victim, and individuals affected by such victimization by 
     supporting a national, toll-free telephonic and digital 
     hotline to provide services that are--
       (1) informed of Federal Indian law and Tribal laws 
     impacting Indian victims of family violence, domestic 
     violence, or dating violence;
       (2) culturally appropriate to Indian adult and youth 
     victims; and
       (3) developed in cooperation with victim services offered 
     by Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
       (b) Grant Program.--The Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10401 et seq.) is amended by 
     inserting after section 313 the following:

     ``SEC. 313A. NATIONAL INDIAN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE GRANT.

       ``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award a grant to a 
     Tribal organization or private, non-profit entity to maintain 
     the ongoing operation of a 24-hour, national, toll-free 
     telephonic and digital services hotline to provide 
     information and assistance to Indian adult and youth victims 
     of family violence, domestic violence, or dating violence, 
     family and household members of such victims, and other 
     individuals affected by such victimization.
       ``(b) Term.--The Secretary shall award a grant under this 
     section for a period of not more than 5 years.
       ``(c) Conditions on Payment.--The provision of payments 
     under a grant awarded under this section shall be subject to 
     annual approval by the Secretary and subject to the 
     availability of appropriations for each fiscal year to make 
     the payments.
       ``(d) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this section, an entity shall be a Tribal organization or a 
     nonprofit private organization that focuses primarily on 
     issues of domestic violence as it relates to American Indians 
     and Alaska Natives, and submit an application to the 
     Secretary that shall--
       ``(1) contain such agreements, assurances, and information, 
     be in such form, and be submitted in such manner, as the 
     Secretary shall prescribe;
       ``(2) include a complete description of the applicant's 
     plan for the operation of a national Indian domestic violence 
     hotline and digital services, including descriptions of--
       ``(A) the training program for advocacy personnel relating 
     to the provision of culturally appropriate and legally 
     accurate services, information, resources and referrals for 
     Indian victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and 
     family violence;
       ``(B) the training program for advocacy personnel, relating 
     to technology requirements to ensure that all persons 
     affiliated with the hotline and digital services are able to 
     effectively operate any technological systems required to 
     provide the necessary services used by the hotline;
       ``(C) the qualifications of the applicant and the hiring 
     criteria and qualifications for advocacy personnel, to ensure 
     that hotline advocates and other personnel have demonstrated 
     knowledge of Indian legal, social, and cultural issues, to 
     ensure that the unique needs of Indian callers and users of 
     digital services are met;
       ``(D) the methods for the creation, maintenance, and 
     updating of a resource database of culturally appropriate 
     victim services and resources available from Indian Tribes 
     and Tribal organizations;
       ``(E) a plan for publicizing the availability of the 
     services from the national Indian hotline to Indian victims 
     of domestic violence and dating violence;
       ``(F) a plan for providing service to limited English 
     proficiency callers, including service through hotline and 
     digital services personnel who have limited English 
     proficiency;
       ``(G) a plan for facilitating access to the hotline and 
     digital services by individuals who are Deaf or hard of 
     hearing, individuals with speech-related disabilities, 
     individuals with sensory disabilities (including those who 
     are blind or low vision), and other individuals with 
     disabilities, including training for hotline personnel to 
     support such access; and
       ``(H) a plan for providing assistance and referrals to 
     Indian youth victims of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence, and for victims of dating violence who 
     are minors, which may be carried out through a national 
     Indian youth dating violence hotline, digital services, or 
     other resources;
       ``(3) demonstrate recognized expertise providing services, 
     including information on healthy relationships and referrals 
     for Indian victims of family violence, domestic violence, or 
     dating violence and coordinating services with Indian Tribes 
     or Tribal organizations;
       ``(4) demonstrate support from Indian victim services 
     programs, Tribal coalitions recognized by the Office on 
     Violence Against Women and Tribal grantees under this title;
       ``(5) demonstrate capacity and the expertise to maintain a 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     hotline, digital services and a comprehensive database of 
     service providers from Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations;
       ``(6) demonstrate compliance with nondisclosure 
     requirements as described in section 306(c)(5) and following 
     comprehensive quality assurance practices; and

[[Page H5892]]

       ``(7) contain such other information as the Secretary may 
     require.
       ``(e) Indian Hotline Activities.--
       ``(1) In general.--An entity that receives a grant under 
     this section shall use funds made available through the grant 
     for the purpose described in subsection (a), consistent with 
     paragraph (2).
       ``(2) Activities.--In establishing and operating the 
     hotline, the entity--
       ``(A) shall contract with a carrier for the use of a toll-
     free telephone line and an internet service provider for 
     digital services;
       ``(B) shall employ, train (including providing technology 
     training), and supervise personnel to answer incoming calls 
     and digital services contacts, provide counseling, healthy 
     relationship and referral services for Indian callers and 
     digital services users, directly connect callers, and assist 
     digital services users in connecting to service providers;
       ``(C) shall assemble and maintain a database of information 
     relating to services for Indian victims of family violence, 
     domestic violence, or dating violence to which Indian callers 
     or digital services users may be referred, including 
     information on the availability of shelters and supportive 
     services for victims of family violence, domestic violence, 
     or dating violence;
       ``(D) shall widely publicize the hotline and digital 
     services throughout Indian Tribes and communities, including 
     to--
       ``(i) national and regional member organizations of Indian 
     Tribes;
       ``(ii) Tribal domestic violence services programs; and
       ``(iii) Tribal non-profit victim service providers;
       ``(E) at the discretion of the hotline operator, may 
     provide appropriate assistance and referrals for family and 
     household members of Indian victims of family violence, 
     domestic violence, or dating violence, and Indians affected 
     by the victimization described in subsection (a); and
       ``(F) at the discretion of the hotline operator, may 
     provide assistance, or referrals for counseling or 
     intervention, for identified Indian perpetrators, including 
     self-identified perpetrators, of family violence, domestic 
     violence, or dating violence, but shall not be required to 
     provide such assistance or referrals in any circumstance in 
     which the hotline operator fears the safety of a victim may 
     be impacted by an abuser or suspected abuser.
       ``(f) Reports and Evaluation.--The entity receiving a grant 
     under this section shall submit a report to the Secretary at 
     such time as shall be reasonably required by the Secretary. 
     Such report shall describe the activities that have been 
     carried out with such grant funds, contain an evaluation of 
     the effectiveness of such activities, and provide such 
     additional information as the Secretary may reasonably 
     require.
       ``(g) Administration, Evaluation, and Monitoring.--Of 
     amounts made available to carry out this section, not more 
     than 4 percent may be used by the Secretary for evaluation, 
     monitoring, and other administrative costs under this 
     section.''.

     SEC. 17. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ENHANCEMENT AND 
                   LEADERSHIP.

       Section 314 (42 U.S.C. 10414) is amended to read as 
     follows:

     ``SEC. 314. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PREVENTION ENHANCEMENT AND 
                   LEADERSHIP.

       ``(a) Purpose and Description of Grants.--
       ``(1) Purpose.--The purposes of this section are--
       ``(A) to continue efforts to build evidence about effective 
     primary and secondary prevention practices, programs, and 
     policies that reduce and end family violence, domestic 
     violence, and dating violence;
       ``(B) to build capacity at the State, Tribal, territorial, 
     and local levels to meet the objectives described in 
     subparagraph (A); and
       ``(C) to advance primary and secondary prevention efforts 
     related to domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence nationally.
       ``(2) Description of grants.--From the amounts appropriated 
     under this section, the Secretary shall--
       ``(A) acting through the Division of Violence Prevention of 
     the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 
     consultation with the Director of the Division of Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services of the Administration for 
     Children and Families--
       ``(i) provide core grants under subsection (b)(1) to 
     support primary and secondary prevention of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence; and
       ``(ii) enter into cooperative agreements under subsection 
     (b)(2) with State, territorial, and Tribal domestic violence 
     coalitions that are in partnerships with entities carrying 
     out local and culturally specific programs, to test, 
     evaluate, or, as appropriate, scale up innovative domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence primary and 
     secondary prevention models, particularly those programs 
     serving culturally specific or traditionally underserved 
     populations; and
       ``(B) acting through the Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Program of the Administration for Children and 
     Families, award grants under subsection (c) to enhance the 
     capacity of communities and systems to engage in effective 
     primary and secondary prevention efforts.
       ``(3) Technical assistance, evaluation, and monitoring.--Of 
     the amounts appropriated under this section for a fiscal year 
     the Secretary may use--
       ``(A) not more than 7 percent of the amounts for each 
     fiscal year for evaluation, monitoring, and other 
     administrative costs under this section; and
       ``(B) not more than 3 percent of the amounts for each 
     fiscal year for technical assistance under this section.
       ``(b) Grants to State, Territorial, and Tribal 
     Coalitions.--
       ``(1) Grants to build primary and secondary prevention 
     capacity of domestic violence coalitions.--
       ``(A) Purpose.--The Secretary shall provide a core grant 
     for each eligible State, territorial, and Tribal coalition. 
     The Secretary shall provide such a grant to build 
     organizational capacity and leadership for primary and 
     secondary prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence, including work with other systems 
     central to primary and secondary prevention at the local, 
     State, territorial, and Tribal levels.
       ``(B) Eligibility.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     this paragraph, a State, territorial, or Tribal coalition 
     shall be a State domestic violence coalition, territorial 
     domestic violence coalition, or Tribal domestic violence 
     coalition, respectively, that has not entered into a 
     cooperative agreement under section 314 of this title (as in 
     effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021) or 
     under paragraph (2).
       ``(C) Application.--Each coalition seeking a grant under 
     this paragraph shall submit an application to the Secretary 
     at such time, in such manner, and containing such information 
     as the Secretary may require. The application submitted by 
     the coalition for the grant shall provide documentation of 
     the coalition's primary prevention work, satisfactory to the 
     Secretary, demonstrating that the coalition--
       ``(i) meets all of the applicable requirements of this 
     paragraph; and
       ``(ii) demonstrates the ability to conduct appropriately 
     the primary and secondary prevention activities described in 
     this paragraph.
       ``(D) Allotment of funds.--Of the amounts made available to 
     carry out this paragraph, the Secretary shall allot an equal 
     share to each qualified entity receiving funds under section 
     311 or section 311A to carry out evidence-informed prevention 
     activities.
       ``(E) Use of funds.--A coalition that receives a grant 
     under this paragraph--
       ``(i) shall use the grant funds to--

       ``(I) build the coalition's organizational capacity and 
     enhance its State or Tribal leadership to advance evidence-
     informed primary and secondary prevention of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence;
       ``(II) provide primary and secondary prevention-focused 
     training, technical assistance, peer learning opportunities, 
     and other support to local domestic violence programs and 
     other community-based and culturally specific programs 
     working to address domestic violence, dating violence, or 
     family violence;
       ``(III) provide training and advocacy to other State, 
     Tribal, and local public and private systems on how to 
     prevent domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence, and help victims, including through health 
     services, early childhood programs, economic support 
     programs, schools, child welfare, workforce development, 
     community-based programs primarily serving racial and ethnic 
     minority groups, community-based programs serving Deaf 
     individuals and individuals with disabilities, community-
     based programs primarily serving other underserved 
     populations, faith-based programs, and youth programs; and
       ``(IV) support dissemination of primary and secondary 
     prevention strategies and approaches throughout the State, 
     territorial, or Tribal communities; and

       ``(ii) may use the grant funds to provide subgrants to 
     local programs to support the dissemination of primary and 
     secondary prevention programs or initiatives.
       ``(F) Reports.--Each coalition receiving a grant under this 
     paragraph shall submit a report to the Secretary at such time 
     as the Secretary requires. Such report shall describe the 
     activities that have been carried out with such grant funds 
     and the effectiveness of such activities, and provide such 
     additional information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(G) Federal activities.--The Secretary may use a portion 
     of the funds provided under this paragraph to provide primary 
     and secondary prevention-focused training, technical 
     assistance, and other support to coalitions described in 
     subparagraph (B) or State or local entities that are in 
     partnerships with such coalitions.
       ``(2) Cooperative agreement for implementation and 
     evaluation of primary and secondary prevention strategies.--
       ``(A) Purpose.--The Secretary shall enter into cooperative 
     agreements with qualified State, territorial, and Tribal 
     domestic violence coalitions that are in partnerships with 
     entities carrying out local and culturally specific programs, 
     to test, evaluate, or, as appropriate, scale up innovative 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence 
     primary and secondary prevention strategies and models, 
     particularly those serving culturally specific or 
     traditionally underserved populations.
       ``(B) Qualification.--To be qualified to enter into a 
     cooperative agreement under subsection (a)(2)(A)(ii), an 
     organization shall be a State, territorial, or Tribal 
     domestic violence coalition and include representatives of 
     pertinent sectors of the local community, which may include--
       ``(i) health care providers and Tribal, State, or local 
     health departments;
       ``(ii) the education community;
       ``(iii) a faith-based community;
       ``(iv) the juvenile justice system;
       ``(v) domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence service program advocates;
       ``(vi) public human service entities;
       ``(vii) business and civic leaders;
       ``(viii) child and youth-serving organizations;
       ``(ix) community-based organizations whose primary purpose 
     is to provide culturally appropriate services to underserved 
     populations, including racial and ethnic minority 
     communities; and

[[Page H5893]]

       ``(x) other pertinent sectors.
       ``(C) Term.--The Secretary shall enter into a cooperative 
     agreement under this paragraph for a period of not more than 
     5 fiscal years.
       ``(D) Conditions on payment.--The provision of payments 
     under a cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall be 
     subject to--
       ``(i) annual approval by the Secretary; and
       ``(ii) the availability of appropriations for each fiscal 
     year to make the payments.
       ``(E) Applications.--An organization that desires to enter 
     into a cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall 
     submit to the Secretary an application, in such form and in 
     such manner as the Secretary shall require, that--
       ``(i) identifies models and strategies to be tested and 
     partner organizations who will be implementing programs to 
     prevent domestic violence, dating violence, or family 
     violence;
       ``(ii) demonstrates that the applicant has developed 
     effective and collaborative relationships with diverse 
     communities, including with organizations primarily serving 
     racial and ethnic minority populations or other underserved 
     populations;
       ``(iii) identifies other partners and sectors who will be 
     engaged to meet the primary and secondary prevention goals;
       ``(iv) includes a description of the expected outcomes from 
     the primary and secondary prevention activities and how the 
     strategy is expected to achieve those outcomes;
       ``(v) describes the method to be used for identification 
     and selection of project staff and a project evaluator;
       ``(vi) describes the method to be used for identification 
     and selection of a project council consisting of 
     representatives of the community sectors listed in 
     subparagraph (B);
       ``(vii) demonstrates that the applicant has the capacity to 
     carry out collaborative community initiatives to prevent 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence;
       ``(viii) describes the applicant's plans to evaluate the 
     models and strategies it intends to implement, including 
     demonstrating that the methods selected are rigorous;
       ``(ix) describes the applicant's existing capacity to 
     collect and analyze data to monitor performance and support 
     evaluation and other evidence-building activities or how they 
     will use the grant to develop such capacity; and
       ``(x) contains such other information, agreements, and 
     assurances as the Secretary may require.
       ``(F) Geographic dispersion.--The Secretary shall enter 
     into cooperative agreements under this paragraph with 
     organizations in States, territories, and Tribes 
     geographically dispersed throughout the Nation.
       ``(G) Use of funds.--
       ``(i) In general.--An organization that enters into a 
     cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall use the 
     funds made available through the agreement to establish, 
     operate, and maintain implementation and evaluation of 
     coordinated community response to reduce risk factors for 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     perpetration and enhance protective factors to promote 
     positive development and healthy relationships and 
     communities.
       ``(ii) Evaluation, monitoring, administration, and 
     technical assistance.--The Secretary may use a portion of the 
     funds provided under this paragraph for evaluation, 
     monitoring, administration, and technical assistance 
     described in subsection (a)(3) with respect to the prevention 
     projects.
       ``(H) Requirements.--In establishing and operating a 
     project under this paragraph, an organization shall--
       ``(i) utilize evidence-informed primary and secondary 
     prevention project planning;
       ``(ii) recognize and address the needs of underserved 
     populations, including racial and ethnic minority groups, and 
     individuals with disabilities;
       ``(iii) use not less than 30 percent or more than 50 
     percent of awarded funds to subcontract with local domestic 
     violence programs or other community-based programs to 
     develop and implement such projects;
       ``(iv) in the case of a new grantee, use the funds for up 
     to 1 year for planning and capacity building without 
     subcontracting as described in clause (iii); and
       ``(v) use up to 8 percent of the funds awarded under this 
     paragraph to procure technical assistance from a list of 
     providers approved by the Secretary and peer-to-peer 
     technical assistance from other grantees under this 
     paragraph.
       ``(I) Reports.--Each organization entering into a 
     cooperative agreement under this paragraph shall submit a 
     report to the Secretary at such time as shall be reasonably 
     required by the Secretary. Such report shall describe 
     activities that have been carried out with the funds made 
     available through the agreement and the effectiveness of such 
     activities, and provide such additional information as the 
     Secretary may reasonably require. The Secretary shall make 
     the evaluations received under this subparagraph publicly 
     available on the Department of Health and Human Services 
     internet website, and shall submit such reports to the 
     Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House 
     of Representatives.
       ``(c) Grants to Expand Community-based Prevention.--
       ``(1) Program.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program to expand the capacity of communities and systems to 
     engage in effective primary and secondary prevention efforts.
       ``(2) Grants.--The Secretary may award grants to eligible 
     entities through the program established under paragraph (1) 
     for periods of not more than 4 years. If the Secretary 
     determines that an entity has received such a grant and been 
     successful in meeting the objectives of the grant application 
     so submitted, the Secretary may renew the grant for 1 
     additional period of not more than 4 years.
       ``(3) Eligible entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
     under this subsection, an entity shall--
       ``(A) be a private nonprofit, nongovernmental organization 
     (which may include faith-based and charitable organizations) 
     or a Tribal organization that is--
       ``(i) a community-based organization whose primary purpose 
     is providing culturally specific services to racial and 
     ethnic minority groups or other underserved populations; or
       ``(ii) a community-based organization with a program 
     focused on serving youth or serving children and their 
     parents or caregivers; and
       ``(B) have a demonstrated record of serving victims of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, or family violence, or 
     demonstrate a partnership with another organization that has 
     such a record.
       ``(4) Application.--An entity seeking a grant under this 
     subsection shall submit an application to the Secretary at 
     such time, in such manner, and containing such information as 
     the Secretary may reasonably require, including--
       ``(A) a description of how the entity will develop, expand, 
     or replicate evidence-informed primary and secondary 
     prevention strategies and approaches in their communities, 
     including culturally and linguistically appropriate primary 
     and secondary prevention programming;
       ``(B) documents that the entity meets all of the applicable 
     requirements set forth in this subsection; and
       ``(C) demonstrates the ability to conduct appropriately the 
     primary and secondary prevention activities described in this 
     section.
       ``(5) Use of funds.--An entity that receives a grant under 
     this subsection shall use the grant funds to--
       ``(A) build their organizational capacity and enhance their 
     leadership of the organization within the community to 
     promote community engagement in and advancement of evidence-
     informed primary and secondary prevention of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, or family violence;
       ``(B) promote strategic primary and secondary prevention 
     partnership development, including between any of domestic 
     violence programs and health programs, early childhood 
     programs, economic support programs, schools, child welfare 
     programs, workforce development, culturally specific 
     community-based organizations, faith-based programs, 
     community-based organizations serving Deaf individuals and 
     individuals with disabilities, and youth programs;
       ``(C) support dissemination of primary and secondary 
     prevention strategies and approaches to States, territories, 
     Tribal organizations, and Tribes; and
       ``(D) use up to 5 percent of funds awarded under this 
     subsection to procure technical assistance from a list of 
     providers approved by the Secretary, from peer-to-peer 
     technical assistance from other grantees under this section, 
     or from both.
       ``(6) Technical assistance, evaluation, and monitoring.--
     The Secretary may use a portion of the funds provided under 
     this subsection for evaluation, monitoring, administration, 
     and technical assistance with respect to the prevention 
     projects.
       ``(7) Reports and evaluation.--Each entity receiving a 
     grant under this subsection shall submit a report to the 
     Secretary at such time as shall be reasonably required by the 
     Secretary. Such report shall describe the activities that 
     have been carried out with such grant funds, contain an 
     evaluation of the effectiveness of such activities, and 
     provide such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require.''.

     SEC. 18. ADDITIONAL GRANT PROGRAMS.

       The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 
     10401 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 315. GRANTS FOR UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS.

       ``(a) Purpose.--It is the purpose of this section to 
     provide grants to assist communities in mobilizing and 
     organizing resources in support of effective and sustainable 
     programs that will prevent and address domestic violence, 
     dating violence, and family violence experienced by 
     underserved populations.
       ``(b) Authority To Award Grants.--The Secretary, acting 
     through the Director of the Division of Family Violence 
     Prevention and Services, shall award capacity building, 
     implementation, and evaluation grants to eligible entities to 
     assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating culturally 
     and linguistically appropriate, community-driven strategies 
     to prevent and address domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence in underserved populations.
       ``(c) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible to receive a grant 
     under this section, an entity shall--
       ``(1) with respect to the programs under subsections (d) 
     and (e), be--
       ``(A) a population specific organization that has 
     demonstrated experience and expertise in providing population 
     specific services in the relevant underserved communities, or 
     a population specific organization working in partnership 
     with a victim service provider or domestic violence or sexual 
     assault coalition; or
       ``(B) a victim service provider offering population-
     specific services for a specific underserved population; or
       ``(2) with respect to the program under subsection (f), be 
     an eligible entity described in paragraph (1) that is working 
     in collaboration with an entity specializing in evaluation 
     with documented experience working with targeted underserved 
     populations;
       ``(d) Capacity Building Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
     eligible entities to support the capacity

[[Page H5894]]

     building, planning, and development of programs for 
     underserved communities that utilize community-driven 
     intervention and prevention strategies that address the 
     barriers to domestic violence services, raise awareness of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence and 
     promote community engagement in the prevention of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence in targeted 
     underserved populations. Such grants may be used to--
       ``(A)(i) expand the collaboration with community partners 
     who can provide appropriate assistance to the targeted 
     underserved populations that are represented by the eligible 
     entity through the identification of additional partners, 
     particularly among targeted underserved communities; and
       ``(ii) establish linkages with national, State, Tribal, or 
     local public and private partners, which may include 
     community health workers, advocacy organizations, and policy 
     organizations;
       ``(B) establish community working groups;
       ``(C) conduct a needs assessment of targeted underserved 
     populations to determine the barriers to access and factors 
     contributing to such barriers, using input from targeted 
     underserved communities;
       ``(D) participate in training and technical assistance 
     sponsored by the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     program for program development, implementation, evaluation, 
     and other programmatic issues;
       ``(E) use up to 5 percent of funds awarded under this 
     subsection to procure technical assistance from a list of 
     providers approved by the Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services program;
       ``(F) identify promising intervention and prevention 
     strategies;
       ``(G) develop a plan with the input of targeted underserved 
     communities that includes strategies for--
       ``(i) implementing intervention and prevention strategies 
     that have the greatest potential for addressing the barriers 
     to accessing services, raising awareness of domestic 
     violence, and promoting community engagement in the 
     prevention of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence within targeted underserved populations;
       ``(ii) identifying other sources of revenue and integrating 
     current and proposed funding sources to ensure long-term 
     sustainability of the program; and
       ``(iii) conducting performance measurement processes, 
     including collecting data and measuring progress toward 
     addressing domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence or raising awareness of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, and family violence in targeted underserved 
     populations; and
       ``(H) conduct an evaluation of the planning and development 
     activities.
       ``(2) Duration.--The period during which payments may be 
     made under a grant under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 4 
     years, except where the Secretary determines that 
     extraordinary circumstances exist.
       ``(e) Implementation Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
     eligible entities that have received a planning grant under 
     subsection (d) or who already have demonstrated experience 
     and expertise in providing population specific services in 
     the relevant underserved communities to enable such entities 
     to--
       ``(A) implement a plan including intervention services or 
     prevention strategies to address the identified barrier or 
     awareness issue or initiate the community engagement strategy 
     for targeted underserved populations, in an effective and 
     timely manner;
       ``(B) design and implement a plan to evaluate the program, 
     including collecting data appropriate for monitoring 
     performance of the program carried out under the grant;
       ``(C) analyze data consistent with the evaluation design, 
     including collaborating with academic or other appropriate 
     institutions for such analysis;
       ``(D) participate in training for the purpose of informing 
     and educating other entities regarding the experiences and 
     lessons learned from the project;
       ``(E) collaborate with appropriate partners to disseminate 
     information gained from the project for the benefit of other 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     programs;
       ``(F) establish mechanisms with other public or private 
     groups to maintain financial support for the program after 
     the grant terminates;
       ``(G) develop policy initiatives for systems change to 
     address the barriers or awareness issue;
       ``(H) develop and implement community engagement 
     strategies;
       ``(I) maintain relationships with local partners and 
     continue to develop new relationships with national and State 
     partners; and
       ``(J) use up to 5 percent of funds awarded under this 
     subsection to procure technical assistance from a list of 
     providers approved by the Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services program.
       ``(2) Duration.--The Secretary shall award grants under 
     this subsection for 4-year periods.
       ``(f) Evaluation Grants.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to 
     eligible entities that have received an implementation grant 
     under subsection (e) and that require additional assistance 
     for the purpose of executing the proposed evaluation design, 
     including developing the design, collecting and analyzing 
     data (including process and outcome measures), and 
     disseminating findings.
       ``(2) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subsection, 
     the Secretary shall give priority to--
       ``(A) entities that in previous funding cycles--
       ``(i) have received a grant under subsection (d); or
       ``(ii) established population specific organizations that 
     have demonstrated experience and expertise in providing 
     population-specific services in the relevant underserved 
     communities programs; and
       ``(B) entities that incorporate best practices or build on 
     successful models in their action plan, including the use of 
     community advocates.
       ``(3) Duration.--The period during which payments may be 
     made under a grant under paragraph (1) shall not exceed 4 
     years, except where the Secretary determines that 
     extraordinary circumstances exist.
       ``(g) Supplement, Not Supplant.--Funds provided under this 
     section shall be used to supplement and not supplant other 
     Federal, State, and local public funds expended to provide 
     services and activities that promote the purposes of this 
     title.
       ``(h) Technical Assistance, Evaluation, and Monitoring.--
       ``(1) In general.--Of the funds appropriated under this 
     section for each fiscal year--
       ``(A) up to 5 percent may be used by the Secretary for 
     evaluation, monitoring, and other administrative costs under 
     this section; and
       ``(B) up to 3 percent may be used by the Secretary for 
     technical assistance.
       ``(2) Technical assistance provided by grantees.--The 
     Secretary shall enable grantees to share best practices, 
     evaluation results, and reports using the internet, 
     conferences, and other pertinent information regarding the 
     projects funded by this section, including the outreach 
     efforts of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     program.
       ``(3) Reports and evaluation.--Each entity receiving funds 
     under this section shall file a performance report at such 
     times as requested by the Secretary describing the activities 
     that have been carried out with such grant funds and 
     providing such additional information as the Secretary may 
     require.
       ``(i) Administrative Burdens.--The Secretary shall make 
     every effort to minimize duplicative or unnecessary 
     administrative burdens on the grantees.

     ``SEC. 316. GRANTS TO ENHANCE CULTURALLY SPECIFIC SERVICES 
                   FOR RACIAL AND ETHNIC MINORITY POPULATIONS.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish a grant 
     program to establish or enhance culturally specific services 
     for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence from racial and ethnic minority populations.
       ``(b) Purposes.--
       ``(1) In general.--The purposes of the grant program under 
     this section are to--
       ``(A) develop and support innovative culturally specific 
     community-based programs to enhance access to shelter 
     services or supportive services to further the purposes of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence 
     intervention and prevention for all victims of domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence from racial 
     and ethnic minority populations who face obstacles to using 
     more traditional services and resources;
       ``(B) strengthen the capacity and further the leadership 
     development of individuals in racial and ethnic minority 
     populations to address domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence in their communities; and
       ``(C) promote strategic partnership development and 
     collaboration, including with health systems, early childhood 
     programs, economic support programs, schools, child welfare, 
     workforce development, domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence programs, other community-based programs, 
     community-based organizations serving individuals with 
     disabilities, faith-based programs, and youth programs, in 
     order to further a public health approach to addressing 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence.
       ``(2) Use of funds.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall award grants to 
     programs based in the targeted community to establish or 
     enhance domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence intervention and prevention efforts that address 
     distinctive culturally specific responses to domestic 
     violence, dating violence, and family violence in racial and 
     ethnic minority populations.
       ``(B) New programs.--In carrying out this section, the 
     Secretary may award initial planning and capacity building 
     grants to eligible entities that are establishing new 
     programs in order to support the planning and development of 
     culturally specific programs.
       ``(C) Competitive basis.--The Secretary shall ensure that 
     grants are awarded, to the extent practical, only on a 
     competitive basis, and that a grant is awarded for a proposal 
     only if the proposal has been recommended for such an award 
     through a process of peer review.
       ``(D) Technical assistance.--Up to 5 percent of funds 
     appropriated under this section for a fiscal year shall be 
     available for technical assistance to be used by the grantees 
     to access training and technical assistance from 
     organizations that have entered into a cooperative agreement 
     with the Director to provide training and technical 
     assistance regarding the provision of effective culturally 
     specific, community-based services for racial and ethnic 
     minority populations.
       ``(3) Technical assistance and training.--The Secretary 
     shall enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with 
     organizations having a demonstrated expertise in and whose 
     primary purpose is addressing the development and provision 
     of culturally specific, accessible, community-based services 
     to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence from the targeted populations to provide training 
     and technical assistance for grantees.
       ``(c) Eligible Entities.--To be eligible for a grant under 
     this section, an entity shall--
       ``(1) be a private nonprofit, nongovernmental organization 
     that is--
       ``(A) a community-based organization whose primary purpose 
     is providing culturally specific

[[Page H5895]]

     services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, 
     and family violence from racial and ethnic minority 
     populations; or
       ``(B) a community-based organization whose primary purpose 
     is providing culturally specific services to individuals from 
     racial and ethnic minority populations that can partner with 
     an organization having demonstrated expertise in serving 
     victims of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence; and
       ``(2) have a board of directors and staffing with 
     demonstrated expertise in serving racial and ethnic minority 
     populations.
       ``(d) Cultural Responsiveness of Services.--The Secretary 
     shall ensure that information and services provided pursuant 
     to this section are provided in the language, educational, 
     and cultural context that is most appropriate for the 
     individuals for whom the information and services are 
     intended, and that information is made available in 
     accessible formats as appropriate.
       ``(e) Grant Period.--The Secretary shall award grants for a 
     4-year period, with a possible extension of another 2 years 
     to further implement the projects under the grant.
       ``(f) Nonexclusivity.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     interpreted to exclude linguistically and culturally specific 
     community-based entities from applying for other sources of 
     funding available under this title.
       ``(g) Reports.--Each entity receiving funds under this 
     section shall file a performance report at such times as 
     requested by the Secretary describing the activities that 
     have been carried out with such grant funds and providing 
     such additional information as the Secretary may require.
       ``(h) Administration, Evaluation, and Monitoring.--Of 
     amounts made available to carry out this section, not more 
     than 4 percent may be used by the Secretary for evaluation, 
     monitoring, and other administrative costs under this 
     section.
       ``(i) Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be 
     construed to allow a grantee to limit services to victims of 
     domestic violence, dating, violence, or family violence on 
     the basis of race or ethnicity.''.

     SEC. 19. ANALYSIS OF FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY 
                   AMONG SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, DATING 
                   VIOLENCE, AND FAMILY VIOLENCE.

       Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of 
     this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
     conduct a study and issue a report that includes--
       (1) a review of what is known about the number of survivors 
     of domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence in 
     the United States;
       (2) statistical data, where available, for recent fiscal 
     years, on the number of survivors described in paragraph (1);
       (3) a description of the key Federal programs providing 
     survivors described in paragraph (1) with financial and non-
     financial support;
       (4) an analysis of the gaps in current Federal programs, in 
     terms of benefit adequacy and benefit coverage for the 
     population of survivors described in paragraph (1);
       (5) a demographic analysis of the distribution of the gaps 
     described in paragraph (4), for groups including racial and 
     ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, tribal 
     populations, and individuals who are geographically isolated;
       (6) a review of challenges that could affect program 
     utilization by the population of survivors described in 
     paragraph (1); and
       (7) an indication of the extent to which Federal agencies 
     or departments currently administering programs described in 
     paragraph (3) have taken steps to ensure that survivors of 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence have 
     access to programs that will support their financial 
     stability.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill, as amended, is debatable for 1 
hour equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking minority 
member of the Committee on Education and Labor or their respective 
designees.
  The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from 
North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 30 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.


                             General Leave

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that 
all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their 
remarks and insert extraneous materials on H.R. 2119.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Virginia?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge support for the bipartisan Family 
Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021 introduced by 
the gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath), the gentleman from Alaska 
(Mr. Young), the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), and the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Katko).
  Before I continue, I want to encourage anyone struggling with 
intimate partner violence to reach out to the National Domestic 
Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the StrongHearts Native Helpline 
at 1-844-7NATIVE.
  Madam Speaker, it is difficult to overstate the need to address 
intimate partner violence in this country. Roughly 1 in 4 women and 
nearly 1 in 10 men reported experiencing some sort of intimate partner 
violence.
  These incidents often cause severe physical injuries that portend 
even graver consequences, including the tragic loss of life.
  For survivors of violence, emotional trauma and intimate partner 
violence often last long after the physical injuries have healed, 
triggering lifelong struggles with disease and mental health 
challenges.
  For decades, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act has been 
a central pillar in our response to domestic violence, authorizing 
services like shelters and 24-hour domestic violence hotlines.
  Regrettably, these programs have been technically expired since the 
end of 2015. Although funding has continued, updates to the law have 
been long overdue. For example, we know that the COVID-19 pandemic has 
increased the risk of intimate partner violence and restricted access 
to critical services for survivors.
  H.R. 2119 strengthens our fight in this public health crisis by 
updating the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act in two 
important ways.
  First, it prioritizes equity by expanding funding to reach 
communities that have disproportionately high rates of intimate partner 
violence but limited access to services.
  Second, it invests more in prevention so we can avert the physical 
danger and emotional trauma that survivors experience before it occurs.
  These updates represent the next steps we must take not only to 
support the survivors who need it most, but also to prevent intimate 
partner violence from harming our communities.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2119, the Family 
Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act.
  A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 
estimated that one-third of all men and women are victims of domestic 
violence at some point in their life. In 2018, approximately 40 percent 
of female homicides in North Carolina were related to intimate partner 
violence. The 2020 statistics aren't any better.

                              {time}  1230

  COVID-19 and President Biden's failed economic policies have dealt 
our Nation government-mandated restrictions and economic challenges. It 
appears those negative outcomes have snowballed to exacerbate an even 
worse fallout.
  Evidence suggests that in this pandemic environment, stress due to 
work, school, substance abuse, and financial struggles have added to 
more violence in the home. Especially hard-hit appear to be rural areas 
where job opportunities can be hard to find. Recent statistics show 
that domestic violence-related homicides have increased in my home 
State of North Carolina.
  Domestic violence in any form is an evil that demands a strong 
response. That is why, in 1984, Congress enacted the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, which authorizes programs to 
support victims of domestic violence and their dependents. These 
programs include grants to support domestic violence shelters and 
services and a national domestic violence hotline.
  Additionally, FVPSA funds the CDC's DELTA program, which provides 
funding to State domestic violence coalitions to develop, test, and 
coordinate local prevention and education programs. Since FVPSA's 
enactment, Congress has worked in a bipartisan manner to reauthorize 
the bill. Sadly, Democrats are now using it as a vehicle to push left-
wing priorities. This is disappointing.
  Committee Republicans wanted to support a bipartisan bill. I strongly 
believe that FVPSA's history of bipartisanship must be continued. 
However, the Democrat bill before us puts special interest groups ahead 
of victims of domestic violence.
  H.R. 2119 paves the way for taxpayer-supported abortions. Forcing the 
public to pay for abortions is morally repugnant and should not be 
allowed to

[[Page H5896]]

stand in this bill or any bill. Previous reauthorizations of the law 
included a prohibition preventing reimbursement for healthcare 
services, but this bill drops that prohibition.
  The bill also tramples the rights of faith-based providers by forcing 
organizations to abandon their sincerely held religious beliefs or give 
up helping victims through these programs, meaning that fewer victims 
will be able to access vital services and care. Faith-based providers 
who offer critical care to survivors of domestic violence should not be 
obstructed from operating.
  Additionally, this bill lacks commonsense accountability that is 
needed after years of Congress ignoring this program. We need to know 
what is going on with the program and the Republican substitute would 
ensure we have that information.
  FVPSA is not an instrument for partisan policies, or it should not 
be, especially those that threaten religious liberties. That is why 
Republicans offered an amendment that includes a carefully focused set 
of reforms that act in the best interest of victims of family violence 
and the people who serve them. Specifically, it improves current law, 
ensuring that funds are focused on life-saving supportive services. 
Democrats opposed it in committee, and I am guessing they will oppose 
it on the floor.
  Republicans recognize the importance of supporting survivors of 
domestic violence. We must understand that dealing with this issue is 
best done at the local level and government cannot always provide the 
answers. Local civic groups and faith-based providers are best 
positioned to provide aid and deliver it effectively.
  Congress should support best practices and protect the providers 
closest to the victims seeking help. Pushing faith-based providers out 
of this important work--as the Democrat-led bill could do--does nothing 
to help continue the delivery of locally-driven support services for 
victims of domestic violence.
  Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2119, 
and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Georgia (Mrs. McBath), the lead sponsor of the 
legislation.
  Mrs. McBATH. Madam Speaker, I want to thank Chairman  Bobby Scott of 
the Education and Labor Committee and staff, and my colleagues that 
have joined me on this policy and lifesaving legislation for the 
diligence and the commitment towards keeping Americans safe and saving 
lives.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act, a long overdue reauthorization 
of the Nation's oldest law providing Federal support to survivors of 
intimate partner violence. Known as FVPSA, this law is the primary 
source of Federal funding for intimate partner violence prevention and 
services and provides vital services for victims all over the United 
States.
  This bill funds shelters, State domestic violence coalitions, a 
national domestic violence hotline, and national resource centers that 
offer technical assistance to service providers. Despite its pivotal 
role in combatting domestic violence, FVPSA has not been reauthorized 
since 2015. It is far past time that Congress acts to pass a 
comprehensive reauthorization of this vital law.
  During this pandemic, we have seen a dramatic rise in the number of 
cases of family and domestic violence. While attempting to stay safe 
from the COVID-19 virus that has swept this country, many children and 
families were forced to face the violence that awaited them inside 
their own homes and further isolated them from their support systems.
  Violence in the home can have a tragic and drastic effect on 
children, stunting their emotional and cognitive growth and affecting 
their performance in school and their social development. This early 
trauma can cause long-lasting effects in a person's life and impact 
their success as adults. We must make sure that our children and their 
families have the resources they need to prevent domestic violence and 
abuse.
  I have seen too many families in my home State of Georgia suffer at 
the hands of domestic and family violence. We must protect these 
families and families all across the Nation.

  This legislation has broad bipartisan support within both Chambers of 
Congress and from stakeholders on the front lines of combatting 
domestic violence in America. Our community partners recognize that 
this legislation is critical to protecting and supporting our families 
and our children.
  The reauthorization makes key changes to current law, most 
importantly, by ensuring equitable access to resources for Native 
Tribes and Tribal coalitions, authorizing a Tribal domestic violence 
hotline, authorizing resource centers for Alaska Native and LGBTQ 
populations, expanding funding for prevention so that every State and 
coalition receives prevention resources, and authorizing grants for 
underserved populations and culturally specific services for racial and 
ethnic minority groups. It helps provide survivors a way up, a way out, 
and a way forward.
  Some of my colleagues have argued that the LGBTQ anti-discrimination 
clause in this legislation will result in discrimination against 
religious organizations who provide services to victims of domestic 
violence. This could not be further from the truth.
  Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter in support of this 
legislation from the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

                                           The Catholic Charities,


                                       Archdiocese of Chicago,

                                    Chicago, IL, October 15, 2021.
     Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives Washington, 
         DC.
     Rep. Bobby Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education & Labor, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Steny Hoyer,
     Majority Leader, House of Representatives Washington, DC.
     Rep. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader, House of Representatives Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Scott, 
     and Republican Leader McCarthy: Catholic Charities is one of 
     the largest social services providers in the Midwest, and I 
     am honored to serve as its Chief Program Officer.
       For 104 years, Catholic Charities has served and 
     accompanied anyone in need in Greater Chicago. Every year, 
     Charities' helps nearly 200 survivors of domestic violence 
     and those at high risk through emergency shelter, safety 
     planning, counseling, legal services, and transitional 
     housing. Our wrap-around services and partnerships help 
     survivors and in many cases their children improve stability 
     and restore security.
       Pre-pandemic, we knew that people experiencing domestic 
     violence in Illinois were 95% women, 55% Black, and 13% 
     Latinx. Forty-three percent resided in Chicago and 40% were 
     low-income.
       The survivors we serve at Catholic Charities Chicago face 
     staggering challenges. One hundred percent live below the 
     federal poverty line. They come to us as survivors of 
     intergenerational trauma. They fear losing their children. 
     They often have prolonged exposure to substance use and are 
     experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Almost 
     universally, they are in poor physical and emotional health.
       Survivors are often isolated due to cultural factors, 
     language barriers, lack of familial support, and lack of 
     awareness of their lawful protections. Moreover, they have 
     inadequate support once they leave the abusive situation.
       It is often the church, and Catholic Charities, to which 
     survivors turn. The role of trusted, faith-based providers in 
     this service arena is profound.
       COVID-19 has only compounded the struggles faced by 
     survivors. Since the pandemic began, the Illinois Domestic 
     Violence Hotline reports a 15% increase in calls and a 2,000% 
     increase in text messages requesting help. Additional burdens 
     include financial stress, unemployment, isolation, increased 
     family conflict, and deepening mental health issues. For 
     persons experiencing domestic abuse, lockdowns and other 
     COVID restrictions have forced them to spend more time with 
     their abuser and less time with their support networks, 
     increasing survivors' difficulty trying to flee.
       A grim reality is that flight from an abusive situation 
     often leaves survivors without a place to call home. In 
     response, Catholic Charities operates two transitional 
     housing programs for domestic violence survivors. While 
     families are in a safe environment, Charities supports them 
     on their journey toward healing and recovery with a long-term 
     goal of securing permanent housing and stable employment. We 
     offer free legal services including facilitating orders of 
     protection and court representation in matters of child 
     support and custody.
       Although survivors may reside with us for up to two years, 
     families typically transition after 12 to 14 months. Once a 
     one-year housing agreement is secured, Charities arranges

[[Page H5897]]

     for the family to move into its new home. With Charities 
     support, survivors arrive with a truckload of furniture, 
     household supplies and clothing, and often with savings 
     between $2,000 and $3,000.
       Most important is their increased self-sufficiency and 
     their deep connection to a supportive, faith-based community. 
     Our presence continues in many survivors' lives through after 
     care programming. For instance, past residents attend support 
     groups, in English and Spanish. Survivors continue coming to 
     us for food, clothing, school supplies, and other 
     necessities.
       Even through COVID, 100% of the survivors we have served 
     remained in stable permanent housing. Prior to COVID, 68% 
     sustained full-time employment; today employment is an 
     ongoing struggle. Moreover, since the pandemic, Charities has 
     seen a 25% increase in survivors coming back to us for basic 
     necessities. Some may not have worked with our team in 
     years--but our doors remain open.
       This past winter, we began offering new services for 
     survivors of domestic violence on the Westside of Chicago, 
     where African American and Latinx communities have been 
     hardest hit by COVID. Our staff offer trauma-informed 
     counseling and intensive case management. We are 
     collaborating with churches, hospitals, and others to expand 
     access to free, confidential services for survivors. Together 
     we are helping people regain control of their lives and begin 
     their healing process.
       Catholic Charities fulfills the Church's role in the 
     mission of charity to anyone in need by providing 
     compassionate, competent and professional services that 
     strengthen and support individuals, families and communities 
     based on the value and dignity of human life.
       That's why the FVPSA Re-Authorization Act of 2021 (H.R. 
     2119) is so important to Catholic Charities and to survivors 
     in faith communities all across the country. Our shelters and 
     healing recovery programs help survivors rebuild their lives 
     with hope and dignity.
       Thank you for your leadership and the Committee's work to 
     eradicate gender-based violence through the bipartisan Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), H.R. 2119. 
     Catholic Charities endorses H.R. 2119 which will provide core 
     supports and enhance comprehensive responses to domestic 
     violence and urges Members to vote YES on final passage. 
     FVPSA provides critical support for shelters, coalitions, 
     training and technical assistance centers, children's 
     services, emergency response hotlines, supportive services, 
     and prevention initiatives.
       We must continue to consider the ripple effect violence 
     imposes on the health and well-being of IPV survivors. Access 
     to resources and continuous supports can be a turning point 
     in a survivor's journey towards healing and living free from 
     violence. Your continued leadership in the passage of this 
     bill is an action of service that responds to those needs in 
     trauma informed and culturally responsive ways.
       Thank you again for your leadership on behalf of survivors, 
     their families, and their communities around the country.
           Sincerely,
     Ami Novoryta,
       Chief Program Officer, Catholic Charities of the 
     Archdiocese of Chicago.

  Mrs. McBATH. Since coming to Congress, I have focused on protecting 
the children and families of Georgia and everyone all across this 
Nation, along with children and families throughout this great Nation 
that we all serve here today.
  Working in close partnership with local, State, and Tribal 
leadership, this bipartisan legislation would reauthorize and expand 
funding for programs focused on preventing family and domestic 
violence, while also protecting its survivors.
  I am so proud of this legislation and I am hopeful that it is one 
that we can all support. We must come together to support this law, 
recognizing that family and domestic violence can affect all Americans, 
no matter where they come from. Domestic violence and family violence 
is not a partisan issue.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute 
to the gentlewoman from Georgia.
  Mrs. McBATH. Madam Speaker, domestic violence is not a partisan 
issue. Family violence is not a partisan issue; it is a public health 
crisis.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues everywhere, Republicans and 
Democrats, to support the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
Improvement Act by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 2119.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Good).
  Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Person Speaker, I rise today in strong 
opposition to H.R. 2119.
  The other side of the aisle claims that this would help families, but 
instead, it would devastate them. The bill would coerce faith-based 
providers, as the gentlewoman from North Carolina has already said, to 
violate their deeply held beliefs or stop their work altogether.
  This bill would redefine the definition of sex, and it inserts gender 
identity language into U.S. Code. Isn't that the objective of this 
administration, this majority, to force our faith-based providers out 
of business and to redefine sex and to change the identification of 
gender?
  My colleagues on the other side claim they want to protect the 
family, but instead, they have chosen to attack the very bedrock of our 
country--the moral principles and the traditional family that hold our 
families and communities together.
  In fact, nearly everything that plagues our society can be attributed 
to a failure to follow God's laws for morality and His rules for and 
definition of marriage and family.
  The very name of this bill is steeped in irony--the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act--as it would truly inflict more 
violence on unborn babies' lives and force taxpayers to fund the murder 
of unborn life; again, consistent with the goals and objectives of this 
administration and this Democrat majority.
  This would be a bad bill without its attack on the unborn. This would 
be a bad bill without its dangerous sexual orientation and gender 
identity provisions, or SOGI. This is a bad bill because it spends over 
a billion dollars more in expansive and intrusive government. Violence 
is already illegal. We Republicans are against it in all forms. This is 
a matter for local and State law enforcement.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote against this bill, and I 
will be doing so.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Oregon (Ms. Bonamici), the chair of the Subcommittee 
on Civil Rights and Human Services.
  Ms. BONAMICI. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2119, 
the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act. 
As policymakers, we have an obligation to do all we can to address the 
domestic violence epidemic and to support survivors.
  In 2021, the annual Domestic Violence Counts Report from the National 
Network to End Domestic Violence, found that more than 76,000 adults 
and children nationwide received potentially lifesaving services from 
emergency shelters and hotlines in one 24-hour period. Tragically, 
during that same day, more than 11,000 survivors' requests could not be 
fulfilled because of a lack of resources. That is unacceptable.
  We must better fulfill our responsibility to the millions of 
survivors who carry the trauma of experiencing domestic violence, and 
whose safety and well-being depends on access to these services.
  There is a clear need to update and strengthen our Federal programs 
to prevent intimate partner violence and better serve survivors. This 
critical reauthorization includes a much-needed investment to increase 
funding for the Family Violence and Prevention Services Act, which will 
help close national resource gaps.
  Additionally, communities of color, LGBTQ individuals, and people 
with disabilities face disproportionate rates of intimate partner 
violence while too often having limited access to services.
  Importantly, this bill will make sure that resources do reach 
culturally-specific programs and community-based organizations that are 
better equipped to serve the needs of survivors who face historic 
violence and systemic inequities.
  As chair of the Civil Rights and Human Services Subcommittee, I was 
honored to hold a hearing that examined evidence-based solutions to 
prevent and end domestic violence. Passing this legislation takes a 
critical step in fulfilling our obligation to eradicate intimate 
partner violence wherever and whenever it occurs.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman McBath and Chairman Scott for 
their leadership in working to update this important legislation to 
keep individuals and families safe, and I urge all of my colleagues to 
support the bill.

[[Page H5898]]

  Madam Speaker, I include in the Record letters in support of the bill 
from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and the National 
Network to End Domestic Violence.

                                                 National Resource


                                  Center on Domestic Violence,

                               Harrisburg, PA, September 20, 2021.
     Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Rep. Bobby Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education & Labor, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Steny Hoyer,
     Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Scott, 
     and Republican Leader McCarthy: Thank you for your leadership 
     and the Committee's work to eradicate gender-based violence 
     through the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Act (FVPSA), H.R. 2119. The National Resource Center 
     on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) endorses H.R. 2119 which will 
     provide core supports and enhance comprehensive responses to 
     domestic violence and urges Members to vote YES on final 
     passage. FVPSA provides critical support for shelters, 
     coalitions, training and technical assistance centers, 
     children's services, emergency response hotlines, and 
     prevention initiatives.
       In addition to its broader systems impact, for over 25 
     years FVPSA has been a critical resource to NRCDV's efforts 
     to provide training, technical assistance, and resource 
     development. Through programming such as the National 
     Capacity Building Center on Safe and Supportive Housing for 
     Domestic Violence Survivors and web resource repositories 
     such as VAWAnet, which receives 300,000 site visits per day--
     an average of 800 visits per day from 210 countries and 
     territories around the world, NRCDV can lead innovative and 
     equitable solutions that address the housing needs of 
     survivors and resource needs of organizations serving them.
       FVPSA also supports NRCDV's work to prevent domestic 
     violence through the PreventlPV Project. This project 
     enhances the capacity of state/territory domestic violence 
     coalitions and community-based domestic violence programs to 
     advance a comprehensive national prevention agenda and 
     broaden support for the full implementation of the agenda at 
     the national, state, territory, and local levels. 
     Additionally, the platform provides communities with access 
     to an inventory of searchable tools and materials utilized 
     and developed by prevention experts from across the country.
       Finally, FVPSA supports NRCDV's work to support the 
     facilitation, coordination, and strategic collaboration 
     amongst the Domestic Violence Resource Network (DVRN). The 
     DVRN informs and strengthens domestic violence intervention 
     and prevention efforts at the individual, community, and 
     society levels through a network of two national resource 
     centers, four special issue resource centers, three 
     culturally specific resource centers, five emerging issue 
     resource centers, and the National Domestic Violence Hotline. 
     These examples are only a minor representation of the ways 
     FVPSA supports the work of NRCDV and enhances the impact of 
     on the ground advocacy efforts.
       As you lead the efforts to pass H.R. 2119, Family Violence 
     Prevention and Services Improvements Act, we thank you again 
     for your leadership on behalf of survivors, their families, 
     and their communities around the country.
           Sincerely,
     Shenna Morris, M.A.,
       Director of Policy, National Resource Center on Domestic 
     Violence.
                                  ____

                                           National Network to End


                                            Domestic Violence,

                               Washington, DC, September 27, 2021.
     Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Rep. Bobby Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education & Labor, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Steny Hoyer,
     Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Scott, 
     and Republican Leader McCarthy: On behalf of our 56 member 
     state and territorial domestic violence coalitions, their 
     more than 2,000 local programs, and the millions of victims 
     they serve, the National Network to End Domestic Violence 
     (NNEDV) commends the Education and Labor Committee for 
     passage of the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Improvement Act (FVPSA), H.R. 2119. H.R. 2119 would 
     bolster existing FVPSA programs and increase authorized 
     funding, while expanding access to tribes, tribal coalitions 
     working to end domestic violence, culturally specific 
     programs, and other underserved communities. We write today 
     to express NNEDV's strong support for the bill as reported 
     out of Committee and to urge all Members to vote yes on final 
     passage.
       FVPSA is at the heart of our nation's response to domestic 
     violence services and supports lifesaving services including 
     emergency shelters, crisis hotlines, counseling, legal 
     assistance, and prevention education for communities 
     throughout the United States, American Indian and Alaska 
     Native communities, and U.S. territories. First authorized in 
     1984 and administered by the U.S. Department of Health and 
     Human Services, FVPSA is the only federal funding source 
     dedicated to domestic violence shelters and programs. FVPSA 
     expired in 2015 and must be reauthorized with key 
     enhancements in order to meet the growing needs of survivors.
       Over 1,500 local, public, private, nonprofit, and faith-
     based organizations domestic violence programs rely on FVPSA-
     funding to keep their doors open to more than 1.3 million 
     victims seeking safety each year. NNEDV's 15th Annual 
     Domestic Violence Counts reports that on just one day in 
     2020, 76,525 domestic violence victims and their children 
     received essential services ranging from shelter to 
     counseling to legal advocacy. However, on that same day, 
     11,047 requests for services went unmet due to lack of 
     resources. Many communities and tribes currently have very 
     limited access to FVPSA funds. H.R. 2119 would bolster 
     existing FVPSA programs and increase authorized funding, 
     while expanding access to tribes, tribal coalitions working 
     to end domestic violence, culturally specific programs, and 
     other underserved communities. It is vital that access to 
     FVPSA funds be expanded through the passage of this bill.
       The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected 
     survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence. Survivors are at risk in a time of heightened 
     economic, health, familial, and emotional trauma. Direct 
     service providers are also grappling with the unprecedented 
     challenge of housing survivors and providing life-saving 
     services while following distance and separation protocols. 
     The improvements made in this bill will greatly help meet the 
     needs of survivors in the current crisis and beyond.
       The important improvements in H.R. 2119 reflect the 
     priorities of the domestic violence field and the diverse 
     needs of survivors. These improvements include:
       Bolstering and investing in lifesaving core victim services 
     and shelters;
       Expanding support for and access to culturally specific 
     programs by authorizing a new grant program to provide 
     enhanced access to services for racial and ethnic minority 
     populations;
       Strengthening the capacity of Indian tribes to exercise 
     their sovereign authority to more fully respond to domestic 
     violence in their communities by increasing resources for 
     tribes, authorizing funding for tribal coalitions, and 
     authorizing the currently funded Alaska Native Women's 
     Resource Center;
       Meaningfully investing in domestic violence prevention by 
     increasing support for evidenceinformed prevention projects 
     and funding new initiatives that bring these approaches to 
     more communities across the country;
       Creating a new underserved populations grant program; and
       Increasing the funding authorization level to respond to 
     very low per-program funding levels and adjusting the current 
     formula to increase access to FVPSA funds for programs not 
     currently funded.
       The bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     Improvement Act (H.R. 2119) provides meaningful investments 
     in and expanded support for lifesaving domestic violence 
     shelters and services, including prevention, throughout the 
     country. NNEDV strongly endorses H.R. 2119 as reported out of 
     Committee and urges all Members to vote yes on final passage.
           Sincerely,
                                                Deborah J. Vagins,
                                          NNEDV President and CEO.

                              {time}  1245

  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Miller).
  Mrs. MILLER of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I cannot in good conscience 
support legislation that opens the door to Federal dollars being used 
to harm our most vulnerable--the unborn.
  Current law prohibits Federal funding from being used to pay for 
reimbursements for medical services while still allowing domestic 
violence victims to obtain referrals to have their healthcare needs 
met. This prohibition, coupled with the longstanding Hyde amendment 
included in annual appropriations, has long been supported by 
Democrats, including President Biden.
  This precedent ensures that tax dollars under this law do not pay for 
abortion services either directly or indirectly.
  Sadly, committee Democrats are proposing to strike this prohibition 
from the law. Along with their public intentions to strike the Hyde 
amendment, I am concerned that this bill could lead to taxpayer dollars 
being used to fund abortions instead.
  My amendment would have maintained current law and made clear that

[[Page H5899]]

FVPSA funds cannot be used for abortion services or abortion referrals. 
This will ensure that even as Democrats make an extreme push to repeal 
Hyde, these funds will not be used for such services.
  A Marist Poll from earlier this year indicated that 58 percent of 
Americans opposed taxpayer funding of abortion--or we could say 
inducement for women to have abortions. We should not force taxpayers 
to fund services that violate their strongly held beliefs. This 
amendment ensures that this does not occur.
  Madam Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this 
amendment.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Manning), who is a distinguished 
member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
  Ms. MANNING. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a letter of 
support from Jewish Women International.

                                   Jewish Women International,

                                Washington, DC, October 8th, 2021.
     Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Rep. Bobby Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education & Labor, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Steny Hoyer,
     Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Scott, 
     and Republican Leader McCarthy: Jewish Women International 
     JWI) writes to urge the House to vote yes on the final 
     passage of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     Improvements Act (FVPSA), H.R. 2119 which provides essential 
     support for domestic violence shelters and programs.
       The core funding provided by FVPSA supports more than 1,500 
     local public, private, nonprofit, and faithbased 
     organizations and programs and over 240 Tribes and Tribal 
     organizations in their response to the urgent needs of over 
     1.3 million domestic violence victims and their children. 
     This act also creates a new underserved populations grant 
     program which will enable these groups to receive services 
     from culturally specific programs that they are more likely 
     to seek assistance from and that can better meet their needs.
       JWI understands that FVSPA (H.R. 2119) clarifies that 
     discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity 
     is prohibited under the law. This is in line with existing 
     law. JWI strongly and urgently is in support of the non-
     discrimination clarification included in H.R. 2119.
       JWl's work focuses on the nexus of faith and domestic 
     violence. As the convener of the National Collaborative of 
     Jewish Domestic Violence Programs, the Clergy Taskforce on 
     Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community, and the Interfaith 
     Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, JWI is well 
     aware of the critical supports provided by faith communities 
     to survivors and their children. Our 2021 National Needs 
     Assessment on Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community confirms 
     that survivors seek domestic violence services that are 
     inclusive of their religious traditions and that maintain 
     their connection to their existing religious community.
       JWI understands that FVSPA (H.R. 2119) clarifies that 
     discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity 
     is prohibited under the law. This is in line with existing 
     law. JWI strongly and urgently is in support of the non-
     discrimination clarification included in H.R. 2119. Our 
     deeply held religious values mandate treating all people with 
     dignity and respect and providing all survivors with the 
     services they require.
       We urge the House to pass the full FVPSA to avoid failing 
     the more than a million survivors and children who rely on 
     these programs and ensure their needs are met.
           Sincerely,
                                             Meredith Jacobs, CEO,
                                       Jewish Women International.
  Ms. MANNING. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support 
for the reauthorization of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
Improvement Act. This act was the first Federal law to provide 
resources for survivors of domestic violence and remains the primary 
source of funding for shelters.
  This critical legislation hasn't been reauthorized since 2010, 
leaving vital programs like crisis counseling and safety planning 
underfunded and outdated. In North Carolina, a staggering 35 percent of 
women and 30 percent of men experience intimate partner violence or 
stalking. COVID-19 has only further increased intimate partner violence 
rates and has put a strain on services survivors urgently need.
  No individual should have to endure the trauma of domestic violence. 
We must ensure victims have access to the support and resources 
necessary for their safety and well-being. We cannot turn our backs on 
our neighbors in need. During this Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I 
urge my colleagues to join me in reauthorizing this important act.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Bost), who is the ranking member of the Armed Services 
Committee.
  Mr. BOST. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, preventing domestic violence and supporting survivors 
should never be a partisan issue. Unfortunately, this bill makes it 
one.
  First, by removing the prohibition on reimbursements for healthcare 
services, my colleagues across the aisle would allow for Federal 
funding from this bill to be used to pay for abortion services.
  Secondly, it includes provisions that will effectively bar faith-
based organizations from participating in these domestic violence 
prevention and survivor support programs. These organizations play a 
vitally important role in providing support to women, children, and 
families who are in need.
  We should be providing survivors with as many lifelines as we can, 
not alienating care providers based on their religious beliefs.
  Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill to protect the lives 
of the unborn and request we revisit a clean reauthorization of this 
legislation.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mrvan) who is a distinguished member of the 
Committee on Education and Labor.
  Mr. MRVAN. Madam Speaker, I thank Chairman Scott for this time.
  Madam Speaker, throughout my career, I have witnessed the direct, 
positive impact of programs and shelters such as the St. Jude House in 
Crown Point, Indiana, and the Haven House in Hammond, Indiana, which 
provide hope and resources for survivors and help prevent and protect 
against domestic violence. That is why I rise today in strong support 
of H.R. 2119, the Family Violence Prevention Act and Services 
Improvement Act.
  The increase in domestic partner violence is alarming, particularly 
as many individuals have lost valuable resources to aid them due to the 
pandemic and are forced to remain in close quarters with their abusers. 
As an administrator of emergency assistance for 15 years, I remain 
deeply concerned about the mental, physical, and emotional trauma 
survivors and their children endure.
  As one of the most effective Federal investments in preventing 
domestic violence, Congress must pass this measure to reauthorize and 
improve family violence and prevention service programs.
  Madam Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Scott, 
Representative McBath, and the Education and Labor Committee, and I 
encourage my colleagues to support this measure.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, currently the Secretary of HHS has unimpeded authority 
to create resource centers under FVPSA that are meant to provide 
victims of domestic violence with help. Unfortunately, the number of 
resource centers has grown in recent years without the public's 
knowledge. A brief look at the websites of these organizations reveals 
that a number of these centers are using taxpayer money to promote a 
progressive ideology on gender and sexuality instead of simply 
supporting victims of domestic violence. Taxpayers deserve to know the 
mission and purpose of these resource centers and whether they are 
effective.
  The Republican substitute requires the Secretary to provide notice to 
Congress before creating additional resource centers. Additionally, it 
requires the Government Accountability Office to issue a report on the 
effectiveness of these resource centers and provide recommendations for 
improvements on how they can do a better job delivering services to 
victims.
  Madam Speaker, money is scarce and getting scarcer, and we need to 
know that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Wild),

[[Page H5900]]

who is a distinguished member of the Committee on Education and Labor.
  Ms. WILD. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the bipartisan Family 
Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, and, quite 
honestly, it is just mind-boggling to me that anybody could find 
anything to criticize about this bill.
  Since it was signed into law four decades ago, the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act has remained the main source of 
Federal funding for the domestic violence shelters in which so many of 
the most vulnerable people in our society find safety.
  Despite the progress that we have made in this country in 
acknowledging the scourge of domestic violence, Congress has not 
provided the necessary resources to keep pace with this crisis. This 
bill would reauthorize programs that have not been fully funded in more 
than a decade, since 2010--programs that are a literal lifeline for all 
those who are facing domestic violence across the country.

  Domestic violence affects millions of Americans. According to the 
Centers for Disease Control, around one in five homicide victims across 
our Nation are killed by an intimate partner, and approximately one in 
every five women and one in every seven men in the United States will 
experience major physical violence from an intimate partner at some 
point in their lives.
  Madam Speaker, we must pass this critical legislation.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, victims of domestic violence should not lose important 
faith-based assistance simply because bureaucrats in Washington don't 
share the same beliefs. Our freedom of religion is the number one 
freedom outlined in the Bill of Rights, and yet our friends often on 
the other side of the aisle seem to forget that and want to trample on 
that right. Faith-based providers have helped victims of domestic 
violence for years, and they should not be forced to abandon their 
mission because progressives want to use taxpayer resources to promote 
a progressive ideology on gender and sexuality.
  As we learned from our witness at a hearing on this program, 
sometimes victims need to hear from faith leaders to feel really safe 
and able to get help. We should not jeopardize that lifeline.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Adams), who is the chair of the 
Subcommittee on Workforce Protections.
  Ms. ADAMS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak in strong support of 
reauthorizing the Family Violence Protection and Services Improvement 
Act. As a survivor of intimate partner violence, I can tell you that 
this piece of legislation is so very important.
  For 37 years the bipartisan Family Violence Prevention and Services 
Act has supported survivors of domestic violence and their children. 
FVPSA helps local governments and service providers prevent violence. 
It protects families and victims in their most vulnerable moments. This 
time around, FVPSA has strong components of culturally specific 
programs, underscoring the sad truth: that victims from all communities 
need support.
  This reauthorization comes at a critical time for State and local 
organizations in this space. The COVID-19 pandemic has not only led to 
an increase in domestic violence, it has also led to budget cuts for 
many organizations which work to combat violence.
  Whether it is in the House of Representatives or the house next door 
or my house, we must always speak out against the harmful effects of 
violence, especially against women.
  Madam Speaker, let's pass this bill. We will keep working for a 
future free from domestic violence and intimate partner violence.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Newman).
  Ms. NEWMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of America's 
survivors of domestic violence, millions of whom live in every corner 
of this country and every single congressional district represented 
here today.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to vote to pass the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act so that we can expand support, 
protection, and prevention for these survivors.
  But we must do more. In a recent survey of domestic violence service 
providers, 90 percent reported increased demand for mental health 
services; however, only 12 percent of respondents said that their 
program is very prepared to meet the needs of adult survivors with more 
severe or disabling mental health challenges.
  We need help with mental healthcare in this country. I don't think 
that is a secret to anybody. That is why my amendment would ensure 
domestic violence coalitions can partner with mental health and 
substance abuse providers for domestic violence programs.
  By passing this amendment, we can provide survivors with the mental 
health support they need and deserve, especially those from underserved 
communities, including: racial and ethnic minorities, people with 
disabilities, seniors, and youth.

                              {time}  1300

  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, the Democrats' bill strikes a current law provision 
that requires certain grant recipients to provide a non-Federal match 
for the taxpayer dollars they receive under FVPSA.
  Madam Speaker, I agree with my colleagues who have indicated that 
funding for domestic violence is not a Federal responsibility. It is a 
State and local responsibility. The 10th Amendment of the Constitution 
said if their responsibilities were not outlined in the Constitution 
for the Federal Government to do, then those responsibilities were left 
to the States and to the people themselves.
  However, I am a realist. The Federal Government stepped into this 
space, in a bipartisan manner, many, many years ago. So, taxpayers 
paying taxes at the Federal level have been supporting these programs 
for a long time. However, it is appropriate that there be a local match 
for this to show that local people have an interest in these programs 
and believe they should be supported.
  Furthermore, Democrats are refusing to acknowledge that we are nearly 
$30 trillion in debt and going up in debt quickly, going down the tubes 
quickly. Their radical taxing and spending spree is intended to create 
the largest Federal Government expansion since the New Deal. Frankly, 
many of them brag about this, which is unbelievable to me.
  But Republicans are committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used 
efficiently and effectively. That is why the Republican substitute 
amendment and my amendment ensure the important non-Federal match 
provision under FVPSA remains in place. We need some local skin in the 
game.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Dean).
  Ms. DEAN. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
  Domestic violence diminishes us all, and we all have a role to play 
to prevent abuse, save lives, and protect victims, which is why I stand 
in strong support of my colleague and friend Congresswoman McBath's 
Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act.
  This thoughtful legislation will expand funding for lifesaving 
services, such as emergency shelter, a crisis hotline, counseling, and 
legal assistance. It is focused on protecting survivors and preventing 
domestic violence.
  The need for safe spaces is in desperate demand. This need has only 
increased with the pandemic. Abusers are now leveraging circumstances 
to exert new power and control tactics, like withholding information 
about COVID-19 and preventing access to medical care.
  Our work must match this uniquely challenging time, and I believe 
this legislation does just that.
  Recently, I visited Laurel House, a domestic violence nonprofit 
organization in my district, and I think of how this bill would support 
their mission.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Representative McBath. This legislation will 
save lives.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

[[Page H5901]]

  

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green).
  Mr. GREEN of Texas. And still I rise, Madam Speaker. And I thank the 
chairman, Chairman Scott, for the opportunity to be heard.
  Madam Speaker, I support this legislation because, on any given night 
or day, in 2020, around 11,000 requests for domestic violence services 
went unmet, and this was due to a lack of resources. We have the 
resources; they are just not getting to the people.
  This is what we can do to make a difference in the lives of 11,000 
people. I will do what I can. I support the legislation.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a 
Statement of Administration Policy in support of the legislation.

                   Statement of Administration Policy


 H.R. 2119--Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 
               2021--Rep. McBath, D-GA, and 83 cosponsors

       The Administration strongly supports House passage of H.R. 
     2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement 
     Act of 2021. Congress first enacted the Family Violence 
     Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA) in 1984 to provide 
     resources to address domestic violence as a public health 
     issue and to support life-saving services and prevention 
     programs throughout the nation. FVPSA, last reauthorized in 
     2010, allocates funding to states and territories that 
     reaches over 1,500 domestic violence shelters and services 
     programs, as well as funding for over 240 tribes and tribal 
     organizations, to address and prevent domestic violence and 
     dating violence. FVPSA also provides funding for a network of 
     state and territorial domestic violence coalitions, the 
     National Domestic Violence Hotline, and national technical 
     assistance providers that provide training and capacity 
     building to ensure that vital services and support are 
     available to individuals experiencing domestic violence and 
     their children. Additionally, FVPSA funds the DELTA program, 
     which provides funds to design, implement, and evaluate 
     innovative domestic violence and dating violence prevention 
     models.
       As a result of FVPSA funding, each year approximately 1.3 
     million survivors receive critical services such as emergency 
     shelter, crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance in 
     seeking an order of protection, and assistance recovering 
     from financial abuse and addressing housing insecurity. 
     Nonetheless, research demonstrates that the need for services 
     continues to outpace availability and many survivors are 
     unable to access critical services and support. Furthermore, 
     the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated economic insecurity, 
     increased isolation, and compounded barriers faced by victims 
     and survivors in seeking safety and stability, particularly 
     for those from historically marginalized communities.
       H.R. 2119 is a bipartisan bill that will authorize 
     increased funding to strengthen existing services while 
     expanding access to tribes and tribal coalitions, culturally-
     specific programs, and other underserved communities. It will 
     also expand investments in domestic violence prevention by 
     increasing support for existing evidence-based, community 
     projects and by funding new initiatives to reach more 
     communities nationwide. The Administration urges swift 
     passage of this legislation.

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a 
letter from the family violence prevention working group, a coalition 
of national organizations working on domestic violence issues.
                                               September 20, 2021.
     Rep. Nancy Pelosi,
     Speaker of the House, House of Representatives, Washington, 
         DC.
     Rep. Steny Hoyer,
     Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Bobby Scott,
     Chairman, House Committee on Education & Labor, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
     Rep. Kevin McCarthy,
     Republican Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader Hoyer, Chairman Scott, 
     and Republican Leader McCarthy: The undersigned organizations 
     thank the Committee for passage of the Amendment in the 
     Nature of a Substitute (ANS) to the bipartisan Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Improvements Act (FVPSA), 
     H.R. 2119, to re-authorize core support and enhance 
     comprehensive responses to domestic violence, family 
     violence, and dating violence. We write today to express our 
     profound support for the bill and write to urge all Members 
     vote yes on final passage. FVPSA provides critical support 
     for shelters, coalitions, training and technical assistance 
     centers, children's services, emergency response hotlines, 
     and prevention initiatives. This bill also expands grant 
     programs and makes many needed improvements to ensure more 
     survivors of domestic violence, family violence and dating 
     violence have access to support and safety.
       FVPSA provides core funding to support more than 1,500 
     local, public, private, nonprofit and faith-based 
     organizations and programs and over 250 tribes and tribal 
     organizations in responding to the urgent needs of over 1.3 
     million domestic violence victims and their children. As you 
     know, there is still an urgent need to increase survivors' 
     access to these vital programs as well as to address current 
     unmet needs. Estimates show that due to a lack of capacity, 
     nearly 200,000 requests for shelter can go unmet in a year. 
     As demonstrated in the annual survey of the National Network 
     to End Domestic Violence, in just one day in 2020, programs 
     across the country were unable to meet 11,407 requests from 
     survivors (requests for emergency shelter, housing, 
     transportation, childcare, counseling, legal representation, 
     and other supportive services).
       The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected 
     survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, and family 
     violence. Survivors are at risk in a time of heightened 
     economic, health, familial, and emotional trauma. Direct 
     service providers are also grappling with the unprecedented 
     challenge of housing survivors and providing life-saving 
     services while following distance and separation protocols. 
     The improvements made in this bill will greatly help meet the 
     needs of survivors in the current crisis and beyond.
       The important improvements in H.R. 2119 reflect the 
     priorities of the domestic violence field and the diverse 
     needs of survivors, including:
       Increasing the funding authorization level to address very 
     low per-program funding levels and provide access to FVPSA 
     funds for more programs not currently funded.
       Updating provisions and definitions to ensure access to 
     services for all survivors, better alignment with related 
     statutes, and reflect evolving best practices amongst service 
     providers to provide uniform guidance to the domestic 
     violence field.
       Strengthening the capacity of Indian Tribes to exercise 
     their sovereign authority to respond more fully to domestic 
     violence in their communities, and authorizing funding for 
     tribal coalitions and the currently funded Alaska Native 
     Women's Resource Center.
       Bolstering support for all survivors through a grant 
     program that increases the capacity of culturally specific 
     community-based organizations to expand access to safety for 
     survivors of color, as well as provisions that promote best 
     practices.
       Providing a more robust investment in prevention by 
     bringing evidence-informed prevention initiatives to more 
     tribes, states, and local communities across the country.
       Continuing and expanding support for national technical 
     assistance (TA) centers and their work to develop effective 
     policy, practice, research, and cross-system collaborations.
       Updating provisions to include additional access and 
     resources for survivors with disabilities and Deaf survivors, 
     including a new TA center on enhancing accessible services 
     for those survivors.
       Updating provisions for the National Domestic Violence 
     Hotline and hotline services for underrepresented 
     populations, including American Indians, Alaskan Natives and 
     Deaf survivors.
       Creating an underserved grant program to increase access to 
     safety for populations that face additional barriers.
       We must continue to ensure that when survivors take the 
     courageous step to reach out for support, individuals, 
     organizations and institutions are prepared to address the 
     risks faced by survivors and their children and improve 
     efforts to create pathways to enhanced safety and well-being.
       As you lead the efforts to pass the bill out of the House, 
     we thank you again for your leadership on behalf of 
     survivors, their families, and their communities around the 
     country, and hope the bill moves swiftly through a vote by 
     the full House of Representatives on final passage.
           Sincerely,
       Alaska Native Women's Resource Center (AKNWRC); Alliance of 
     Tribal Coalitions to End Violence (ATCEV); Asian Pacific 
     Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV); Battered 
     Women's Justice Project (BWJP); Casa de Esperanza: National 
     Latin@ Network for Healthy Families and Communities; Futures 
     Without Violence; Lovelace Consulting, Inc.; National Center 
     on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health (NCDVTMH); 
     National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women; 
     National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV); 
     National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP); 
     National Congress of American Indians (NCAI); National 
     Domestic Violence Hotline (The Hotline); National Indigenous 
     Women's Resource Center (NIWRC); National LGBTQ Institute on 
     IPV; National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV); 
     StrongHearts Native Helpline; The National Resource Center on 
     Domestic Violence (NRCDV); Ujima: National Center on Violence 
     Against Women in the Black Community; YWCA USA.

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), chair of the Subcommittee on 
Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for bringing

[[Page H5902]]

outstanding leadership to this issue. And I thank my good friend, 
Congresswoman McBath, for her outstanding leadership on helping to 
reauthorize this very important legislation that really saves lives.
  In my own district, we lost a heroic Sergeant Preston of the Houston 
Police Department for one of the most dangerous calls that police get, 
domestic violence. He was killed. The 11-year-old son was shot, but, 
thank God, he survived. What terrible, senseless violence.
  We know that in this program, more than 76,000 people a day are 
helped. It is important to take note of the fact that intimate 
partnership violence is a crucial element of this legislation. To be 
able to reauthorize the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
Improvement Act is to save lives.
  In addition, it is important to take note of my amendment that has 
been accepted. I look forward to debating it on the floor and the $2 
million extra that the State of Texas will give.
  But the most important part of it is the recognition that we will 
save lives and help to bring families together and to unify the Nation.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I yield the gentlewoman an additional 1 
minute.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. As indicated, 76,000 victims of domestic violence 
are helped, but 11,000 are unable to get help because of the lack of 
funding.
  It is important, as well, to note that, on average, more than one in 
three women and one in four men in the United States will experience 
rape, physical violence and/or stalking by an intimate partner.
  It is also important to relieve the regulations, the strangulations 
that were on this bill before. It now opens it to up provide more to 
individuals who are suffering.
  What we want to do is to end family domestic violence, and what we 
want to do is to end that intimate partner violence and bring families 
together, protect children. I am supporting this legislation, and I 
believe it is long overdue.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the Jackson Lee Amendment to H.R. 
2119, the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act, 
which makes a good bill even better.
  I thank my colleague, Congresswoman McBath of Georgia, for 
introducing this important legislation which will improve the 
protection and prevention for Americans affected by family violence, 
domestic violence, and dating violence.
  The Jackson Lee Amendment improves the bill by requiring the 
Comptroller of the United states to produce a report on the success of 
outreach efforts to minority communities.
  Through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), 
survivors receive services such as emergency shelter, crisis 
counseling, safety planning, and assistance recovering from financial 
abuse and housing insecurity.
  FVPSA is the only federal funding source dedicated to providing 
support to domestic violence shelters and programs.
  Madam Speaker, this bill marks an historic effort to acknowledge and 
address the unique suffering of family violence survivors from 
marginalized communities.
  I thank the Rules Committee for including my amendment, because this 
amendment is straightforward and makes this important bill even more 
effective than it already is.
  We must recognize that not all survivors are a monolith.
  Different communities and cultures have different perceptions of 
domestic violence and reactions to it--therefore different communities 
and cultures need different treatments and prevention measures to 
address domestic violence.
  That is why I am proud to support this bill, which includes 
provisions that are tailored to these specific populations.
  Such provisions include:
  1. Providing new grants to local programs serving culturally specific 
or traditionally underserved communities;
  2. Increasing access for survivors from racial and ethnic communities 
to services by creating a national grant program to build the capacity 
to address domestic violence; and
  3. Increasing funding for Native American tribes by allocating tribal 
grants as a set-aside to acknowledge their sovereign authority.
  These are laudable initiatives, and my amendment goes a step ' 
further to sustain this commitment by adding a requirement that the 
Comptroller of the United States must produce a report on the success 
of outreach efforts to minorities.
  Specifically, my amendment requires the Comptroller General to 
include in the study and report described in Section 19 the results of 
outreach efforts conducted pursuant to section 308 to certain groups--
including racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, 
tribal populations, and individuals who are geographically isolated--
regarding increasing the availability and ease of access to services.
  Simply put, receiving accurate feedback about our efforts will inform 
our decision-making, allowing us to adapt and improve upon our programs 
to reach more minority survivors.
  It is these communities specifically that are in the most need of our 
help.
  In my home state of Texas, 29 percent of domestic violence victims 
are Black despite making up only 12 percent of the population.
  The share of domestic violence victims in Texas who are Native 
American is twice as much as the proportion of Natives in the general 
population.
  Madam Speaker, no member should be complacent with these egregious 
statistics.
  With this bill's increased commitment to prevention and treatment of 
family violence, we are sending a message to survivors that you are not 
forgotten.
  For these reasons, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 2119, the 
``Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act.''
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close. I 
reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Madam Speaker, this bill contains a number of provisions that are 
well-known poison pills for Republicans. Democrats can't claim this is 
a bipartisan bill when it takes far-left positions on multiple social 
issues that are unrelated to FVPSA's purposes.
  This bill was rejected on a party-line basis at a committee markup. 
Democrats ignored the long history of bipartisan reauthorizations and 
included poison pills and not moving forward.
  The Senate was able to leave politics at the door, and there is no 
reason for the House not to do the same.
  Madam Speaker, the majority of Americans oppose using their hard-
earned money to pay for abortions. A Marist Poll conducted earlier this 
year showed that as many as 58 percent oppose using tax dollars to fund 
abortions.
  We have repeatedly seen Democrats attack the lifesaving Hyde 
amendment. This, along with the removal of a longstanding prohibition 
on using FVPSA funding to reimburse for healthcare services, would risk 
forcing taxpayers to fund abortions under this program.
  FVPSA dollars are meant to offer hope and healing to victims of 
domestic violence, not bring harm to innocent lives.
  Madam Speaker, victims of domestic violence deserve access to the 
expertise and resources necessary to aid them in their time of crisis, 
free from political interference. The Democrats' partisan proposal 
could harm the unborn and obstruct high-quality providers from offering 
services to domestic violence victims.
  As I said before, FVPSA should not be an instrument for partisan 
policies, especially those that threaten religious liberties.
  Committee Republicans want to continue FVPSA's history of 
bipartisanship, yet Democrats have upended the previously bipartisan 
balance between prevention services and support for victims and 
children at the behest of special interest groups. This is shameful.
  I encourage my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. 2119, and I yield 
back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time.
  Madam Speaker, I have to respond to a comment about the budget. I 
would point out and remind everyone that since the 1960s, every 
Democratic President has ended an administration with a better deficit 
situation than they inherited, without exception. And every Republican 
administration has ended their administration with a worse deficit 
situation than they inherited, without exception. The last President 
was well on his way to fulfilling that trend before the pandemic.
  The Build Back Better and the transportation plans are in the process 
of being paid for so they will not be adding to the deficit.
  Madam Speaker, each person in this Chamber should agree that we must 
do more to address intimate partner violence in this country. The 
critical services for survivors under the Family Violence Prevention 
and Services Act

[[Page H5903]]

have now expired, have been expired for more than 5 years, and are in 
urgent need of updates.
  During the pandemic, many survivors have been isolated with their 
abusers, while the gaps in our response to domestic violence have been 
exacerbated. This is not the time for Congress to stand by while our 
communities continue to endure the far-reaching and lifelong impacts of 
this public health crisis. Now is the time for Congress to take action.
  As we face new challenges during the pandemic, we must ensure that 
survivors in our most vulnerable communities have access to the support 
services they need. We must prioritize effective prevention strategies 
that stop intimate partner violence from occurring in the first place.
  Madam Speaker, each of us has the responsibility to do our part to 
fight against domestic violence. The bill before us is an opportunity 
to come together and reaffirm our commitment to supporting survivors 
and preventing all Americans from suffering the devastating 
consequences of intimate partner violence.
  I want to thank all the bipartisan sponsors for their leadership and 
for their work to pass this urgent legislation. I urge my colleagues to 
support the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 
2021, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2119, 
the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act.
  October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and now more than ever, 
we must recommit ourselves to eliminating the threat of domestic 
violence and ensure survivors have the support they need to heal 
physically, mentally, and emotionally.
  The bill before us today is the only federal funding source dedicated 
to domestic violence prevention programs, and it is critical this bill 
is passed to continue funding lifesaving services like emergency 
shelters, counseling, and crisis hotlines for survivors and their 
children.
  FVPSA has been a key pillar in our nation's strategy to eradicate 
domestic violence. It has made a difference in my home state. and this 
bill is estimated to provide a 50 percent funding increase to $4.5 
million that will undoubtedly strengthen care for survivors across 
Michigan.
  In addition to improving this law and increasing its resources, we 
must continue working together to advance comprehensive legislative 
solutions that protect Americans from the threat of domestic violence.
  This issue is personal for me--I've seen it up close growing up. No 
woman, no child, no person, and no family should fear for their life 
because of domestic violence. That's why I am a proud co-chair of the 
Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence, a group we 
established in 2018 to unite members from both sides of the aisle to 
achieve a common purpose: ending domestic violence.
  This is not a partisan issue--it's an American issue--and I am 
honored to work alongside a bipartisan coalition of members who are 
just as dedicated to accomplishing this task. Our goal today, tomorrow, 
and each day after will be to end domestic violence and ensure 
survivors are given the support they deserve.
  Earlier this year, the House also reauthorized the Violence Against 
Women Act. This bill includes vital improvements to address gaps that 
have been identified by survivors, and I was glad several legislative 
pieces of mine were included in its reauthorization.
  My Zero Tolerance for Domestic Abusers Act was again included that 
would close loopholes that make it easy for domestic abusers to 
purchase weapons without passing a background check. Additionally, this 
bill reauthorizes the VAWA Health program at increased levels that 
helps train health care providers and strengthens collaborations 
between public health and domestic violence agencies. Finally, it 
includes my amendment that would update how survivors of domestic 
violence can obtain protection orders.
  Our work is far from over. Without reauthorization of FVPSA and VAWA, 
programs to help survivors are losing critical funding. We must 
demonstrate that protecting and expanding resources for survivors are 
top priorities. I urge all my colleagues to support me in passing this 
important piece of legislation, and l call on the Senate to swiftly act 
to protect survivors across the nation.
  I would like to thank leadership for bringing this bill to the floor 
and my colleagues, Reps. McBath, Moore, Young, and Katko for their 
bipartisan work on this bill.
  Mr. ESPAILLAT. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 
2119--the Family Violence Prevention and Service Improvement Act.
  This bill heavily invests in resources and programs to protect and 
support women like Gladys Ricart, a 39-year-old-woman and former 
constituent of mine who was killed by her ex-boyfriend on her wedding 
day.
  After years of physical and mental abuse, she left him to move on 
with her life, even as he continued to threaten and stalk her.
  As she moved on, she met her soulmate, and was happy and eager to 
marry the man of her dreams.
  What should have been one of the happiest days of her life, was 
instead her last. Her ex-abuser fatally shot Gladys on her wedding day. 
But her legacy lives on and in 2001, the Brides March was created to 
remember Gladys Ricart and to bring awareness to domestic violence.
  Heartbreakingly, Gladys' story is not isolated or unique.
  By passing the Family Violence Prevention and Service Improvement 
Act, we also have an opportunity to honor her memory--her and the 
hundreds of thousands of women who have stories just like Gladys'.
  This crucial legislation would put millions of dollars towards 
expanding support for culturally specific domestic violence programs, 
investing in community-based prevention initiatives, and creating an 
underserved population grant program.
  These resources would help to connect people to advocates and help 
them safely navigate life during and after leaving an abusive 
relationship.
  And as I think of all the resources this legislation will make 
available, I think of Gladys and the hundreds of women who march on her 
behalf.
  I think about the one in three woman, particularly black and trans 
women, who will experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
   I think of the irreputable, lasting harm domestic violence causes 
families and children.
  I think about all these lives that will be catastrophically changed 
or lost and I know that they deserved more.
  As we prepare to vote, I implore everyone to think of all the good 
the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act will do for 
all survivors.
  Ms. WILLIAMS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, everyone, inside Congress and 
out, has a duty to stop domestic violence.
  Those of us in the House of Representatives can fulfill that duty 
today by voting to reauthorize and strengthen the Family Violence and 
Prevention Services program.
  Sadly, Atlanta experienced what researchers at Emory University 
called the ``co-occurring pandemics'' of COVID-19 and domestic 
violence. The victims of both were disproportionately in marginalized 
communities.
  A strengthened Family Violence and Prevention Services program may 
have prevented those acts of violence in the first place. This bill's 
expanded resources will support organizations like the Partnership 
Against Domestic Violence, and everyone else working in the Fifth 
District to end domestic violence.
  If you are a victim of domestic violence, I want you to know you are 
not alone. Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1 800-
799-SAFE or text ``START'' to 88788.
  Thank you to my fellow Georgian Lucy McBath and to Chairman Bobby 
Scott for their leadership in advancing this crucial legislation.
  I urge all my colleagues to vote yes on the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act because there are not two sides 
to this issue. You are either opposed to domestic violence or you 
aren't.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time for debate has expired.
  Each further amendment printed in part B of House Report 117-137, not 
earlier considered as part of amendments en bloc pursuant to section 3 
of House Resolution 716, shall be considered only in the order printed 
in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the 
report, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable for the time 
specified in the report equally divided and controlled by the proponent 
and an opponent, may be withdrawn by the proponent at any time before 
the question is put thereon, shall not be subject to amendment, and 
shall not be subject to a demand for division of the question.
  It shall be in order at any time for the chair of the Committee on 
Education and Labor or his designee to offer amendments en bloc 
consisting of further amendments printed in part B of House Report 117-
137 not earlier disposed of. Amendments en bloc shall be considered as 
read, shall be debatable for 20 minutes equally divided and controlled 
by the chair and the ranking minority member of the Committee on 
Education and Labor or their respective designees, shall not be subject 
to amendment, and shall not be subject to a demand for division of the 
question.

[[Page H5904]]

  


                              {time}  1315


       Amendments En Bloc No. 1 Offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House 
Resolution 716, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 1.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en 
bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 1 consisting of amendment Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 
and 8, printed in part B of House Report 117-137, offered by Mr. Scott 
of Virginia:


            amendment no. 1 offered by mr. kahele of hawaii

       Page 7, strike lines 22 through 25, and insert the 
     following:
       ``(9) Native hawaiian; native hawaiian organization.--The 
     terms `Native Hawaiian' and `Native Hawaiian organization' 
     have the meanings given such terms in section 6207 of the 
     Native Hawaiian Education Act (20 U.S.C. 7517).''.
       Page 34, line 21, strike ``10'' and insert ``11'',
       Page 35, line 7, strike ``population; and'' and insert 
     ``population;''.
       Page 35, line 7, after ``Native population;'' insert the 
     following:
       ``(iv) a Native Hawaiian resource center on domestic 
     violence, to reduce Native Hawaiian disparities; and
       Page 45, after line 11, insert the following:
       (F) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(5) Native hawaiian resource center.--In accordance with 
     subsection (a)(2), the Secretary shall award a grant to an 
     eligible entity for an Native Hawaiian resource center on 
     domestic violence to reduce Native Hawaiian disparities, 
     which shall--
       ``(A) offer a comprehensive array of technical assistance 
     and training resources to Native Hawaiian organizations, 
     specifically designed to enhance the capacity of the Native 
     Hawaiian organizations to respond to family violence, 
     domestic violence, and dating violence;
       ``(B) coordinate all projects and other activities with the 
     national resource center described in paragraph (1)(B);
       ``(C) coordinate all projects and other activities, with 
     State and local governments, that involve working with the 
     State and local governments, to enhance their capacity to 
     understand the unique needs of Native Hawaiians;
       ``(D) provide comprehensive community education and 
     prevention initiatives relating to family violence, domestic 
     violence, and dating violence in a culturally sensitive and 
     relevant manner; and
       ``(E) coordinate activities with other Federal agencies, 
     offices, and grantees that address the needs of Native 
     Hawaiians who experience family violence, domestic violence, 
     and dating violence, including the Office for Victims of 
     Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women of the 
     Department of Justice.''; and
       Page 49, line 16, strike ``and''.

       Page 50, line 7, strike the period and insert ``; and''.
       Page 50, after line 7, insert the following:
       (G) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(6) Native hawaiian resource center.--To be eligible to 
     receive a grant under subsection (b)(3), an entity shall be a 
     Native Hawaiian organization, or a nonprofit private 
     organization that focuses primarily on issues of family 
     violence, domestic violence, and dating violence within the 
     Native Hawaiian community, that submits information to the 
     Secretary demonstrating--
       ``(A) experience working with Native Hawaiian organizations 
     to respond to family violence, domestic violence, and dating 
     violence;
       ``(B) experience providing Native Hawaiian organizations 
     with assistance in developing prevention and intervention 
     services addressing family violence, domestic violence, and 
     dating violence and safety for Native Hawaiian women;
       ``(C) strong support for the entity's designation as the 
     Native Hawaiian resource center on domestic violence from 
     advocates working with Native Hawaiian organizations to 
     address family violence, domestic violence, and dating 
     violence and the safety of Native Hawaiian women;
       ``(D) a record of demonstrated effectiveness in assisting 
     Native Hawaiian organizations with prevention and 
     intervention services addressing family violence, domestic 
     violence, and dating violence; and
       ``(E) the capacity to serve geographically diverse Native 
     Hawaiian communities and organizations.


        amendment no. 2 offered by ms. ocasio-cortez of new york

       Strike page 3, line 24, through page 4, line 2, and insert 
     the following:
       ``(2) Child.--The term `child' means an individual who is 
     younger than age 18.


           amendment no. 4 offered by mr. cohen of tennessee



 =========================== NOTE =========================== 

  
  October 26, 2021, on page H5904, the following appeared: 
AMENDMENT NO. 4 OFFERED BY COHEN OF TENNESSEE
  
  The online version has been corrected to read: AMENDMENT NO. 4 
OFFERED BY MR. COHEN OF TENNESSEE


 ========================= END NOTE ========================= 


       Page 88, line 22, strike ``or'' at the end.
       Page 89, line 2, strike ``and'' at the end and insert 
     ``or''.
       Page 89, after line 2, insert the following:
       ``(iii) a community-based organization that offers legal 
     services to help victims of domestic violence, dating 
     violence, or family violence and that works to serve the 
     needs of racial or ethnic minority groups, other underserved 
     populations, youth, or children and their parents or 
     caregivers; and''.


           amendment no. 5 offered by ms. newman of illinois

       Page 81, line 17, insert ``(including mental health 
     providers and substance use disorder treatment providers)'' 
     after ``health care providers''.


          amendment no. 6 offered by ms. jackson lee of texas

       Page 107, line 6, strike ``and'' at the end.
       Page 107, line 12, strike the period at the end and insert 
     ``; and''.
       Page 107, after line 12, add the following:
       (8) information on the outreach efforts conducted pursuant 
     to section 308 on outreach to racial and ethnic minorities, 
     individuals with disabilities, tribal populations, and 
     individuals who are geographically isolated, to determine 
     ways----
       (A) to increase the availability of services relating to 
     domestic violence, dating violence, and family violence for 
     such groups; and
       (B) to ensure access to such services.


            amendment no. 8 offered by ms. bush of missouri

       Page 79, line 9, insert ``housing and shelter services,'' 
     before ``early childhood programs''.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 716, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, there are six amendments in this en bloc.
  Mr. Kahele has offered an amendment which establishes the Native 
Hawaiian Resource Center on domestic violence.
  Ms. Ocasio-Cortez has offered an amendment to amend the definition of 
a child to include any child under 18, including emancipated minors.
  Mr. Cohen has offered an amendment to clarify grant eligibility for 
legal aid organizations.
  Ms. Newman has offered an amendment to clarify that domestic violence 
coalitions may partner with mental health and substance abuse disorder 
providers.
  Ms. Jackson Lee has offered an amendment requiring the GAO study 
required in the underlying bill to include information on outreach to 
racial and ethnic minorities.
  Ms. Bush has offered an amendment to clarify that domestic violence 
coalitions can provide training to housing service providers.
  These amendments make meaningful improvements to the bill. I urge a 
``yes'' vote on the amendments en bloc No. 1, and I reserve the balance 
of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, while many of the amendments offered today by my 
Democrat colleagues do not make the bill any worse, they fail to 
correct the significant flaws of the underlying bill.
  Several amendments offered by Republican Members would have improved 
the bill, but Democrats blocked those amendments from being debated.
  Two of those I would like to highlight quickly are: An amendment 
offered by Congresswoman Mary Miller to ensure FVPSA dollars cannot be 
used for abortion services or abortion referrals and an amendment 
offered by Congresswoman Spartz to ensure taxpayers know the mission 
and purpose of the resource centers authorized under FVPSA.
  These amendments are needed to address concerning changes the 
Democrats make that open the door for taxpayer funding of abortion 
under FVPSA and also double down on attempts to advance a radical 
gender ideology through FVPSA's resource centers.
  The Democrats missed an opportunity to change course, work in a 
bipartisan fashion, and send the Senate a bill we know could become 
law. But they have decided to pursue partisan policy over protecting 
victims.
  Thankfully, this bill is not heading to the President's desk, and I 
look forward to working on making further needed improvements so 
victims can access the help they need from those they trust.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen), the chair of the Subcommittee on 
the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.
  Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, a heartbreaking statistic of the COVID-

[[Page H5905]]

19 pandemic has been the increase of domestic and family violence that 
continues to affect Americans across the country. It has alarmingly 
gone up. We must do all we can to keep children and families safe 
throughout this pandemic and at all times.
  My amendment is part of the en bloc package, and it simply clarifies 
grant eligibility to include legal aid organizations that provide 
violence prevention services.
  There is a direct relationship between legal intervention and a 
decline in domestic violence. One study found that obtaining a 
permanent protection order resulted in an 80 percent reduction in 
physical violence in the 12 months after initial client contact.
  Another study found that women represented by legal counsel obtained 
a protection order 83 percent of the time, while those without legal 
counsel only received a protection order 32 percent of the time.
  In the United States, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced 
domestic violence, resulting in tens of millions of Americans 
experiencing domestic violence in their lifetimes.
  Legal aid is a critical prevention tool to help limit the damage 
domestic violence causes.
  I want to thank Chairman Scott, Legal Services Corporation, the 
National Domestic Violence Hotline, and all of the domestic violence 
prevention organizations for their support of the inclusion of this 
amendment and the vital work that they do.
  I want to thank Reisha Buster on my staff, Kevin on my staff, and all 
of the other members of my staff.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and the 
overall bill.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee), the chair of the Subcommittee 
on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, let me thank the gentleman very much 
for his work, and again let me thank my colleague, Congresswoman 
McBath, a member of the Education and Labor Committee and a member of 
the Judiciary Committee.
  Madam Speaker, I rise to support my amendment, and all of the other 
amendments, which in particular my amendment provides an outreach that 
I think is extremely crucial to providing an outreach to populations 
that have been unnecessarily victims of domestic violence.
  I do want to, again, emphasize the issue of Sergeant Preston, who 
died in the course of a police encounter with a domestic abuser with a 
gun, and to emphasize that an average of 24 people per minute are 
victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner 
in the United States; more than 12 million women and men over the 
course of a year. Nearly 3 in 10 women, or 29 percent, and 1 in 10 men, 
in the U.S. have experienced physical violence and/or stalking.

  This reauthorization is long overdue. Just under 15 percent of women, 
14.8 percent, and 12 percent of men in the U.S. have been injured as a 
result of intimate partner violence that included rape, physical 
violence, and stalking by an intimate partner. More importantly, how 
many of them have been killed?
  In my own district, we had a circumstance of a domestic violence 
incident where the woman was killed in the bed, and laying next to her 
was her newborn infant. The stories are without comparison.
  When you talk to women's shelters, the great need that they have and 
the funding that is going to come from this particular effort is $2 
million to the State of Texas alone. The effort that is most important 
is vulnerable women, women of color, and Native Americans. The Tribal 
dollars that are in here are crucial as well.
  The Violence Against Women Act, I hope that we will see its passage 
in the Senate, along with the reauthorizing of the Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Improvement Act as well, because we, too, 
address the question of Tribal women.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute 
to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, Tribal circumstances are an 
enormously difficult circumstance to be engaged in. The abuse in the 
Tribal areas, and the utilization of vicious acts then coming out and 
not being prosecuted is really unseemly.
  But this is going to be intervention. This is going to be saving 
lives.
  I would just offer, as I close, a comment on who we should expand 
this to: the LGBTQ community, the transgender, individuals who have to 
deal with the remnants of a rape. That is, of course, a pregnancy that 
my State, the State of Texas, has now violated all human dignity with 
their abortion bill that not only stops women from engaging with their 
faith leader, their family members, and their doctor, but it also 
stalks women and sends people out for a bounty to get $10,000.
  So this is the kind of uplifting legislation, reauthorization after 
10 years, that is going to address the question of women who are 
desperately in need and also protect law enforcement officers as well.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentlewoman has again 
expired.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield an additional 30 
seconds to the gentlewoman from Texas.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, this is also going to protect law 
enforcement officers as well. In tribute and memory to Sergeant 
Preston, a veteran of the HPD, the idea of being able to go and help 
and come back with your own life and protect those who are being 
victimized. The less we have of that and the more intervention that we 
have, the more we can save lives.
  So I want to claim that this particular legislation is lifesaving. I 
ask my colleagues to support the Jackson Lee amendment, which is, in 
essence, attempting to get more resources, more information, and 
support the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, again, these amendments included in the amendments en 
bloc make meaningful improvements to the bill. I urge a ``yes'' vote on 
en bloc No. 1, and I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, again, these amendments do not make any further harm 
to the programs, but they also do not cure the flaws in the bill before 
us today. I do not oppose this en bloc but urge my colleagues to oppose 
the underlying bill.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2119, 
the ``Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act,'' which 
will improve the protection and prevention for Americans affected by 
family violence, domestic violence, and dating violence.
  I would like to thank my good friend, Congresswoman McBath, for 
championing this important legislation and shepherding it to the floor.
  Through the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), 
survivors receive services such as emergency shelter, crisis 
counseling, safety planning, and assistance recovering from financial 
abuse and housing insecurity.
  The FVPSA supports life-saving services throughout the country via 
grants to states, tribal governments, and territories through three 
primary sets of activities, all of which are administered by HHS.
  First, the FCPSA funds a national domestic violence hotline that 
receives calls for assistance related to this violence. The hotline 
provides crisis intervention and counseling, maintains a database of 
service providers, and provides referrals for victims and others 
affected by domestic violence.
  Second, FVPSA funds efforts to prevent domestic violence through a 
program known as Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and 
Leadership Through Allies (DELTA).
  Third, FVPSA supports direct services for victims and their families. 
Most of this funding is awarded via grants to states, territories, and 
tribes.
  FVPSA is the only federal funding source dedicated to providing 
support to domestic violence shelters and programs.

[[Page H5906]]

  FVPSA provides base core funding to support more than 1,600 local 
public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations and programs 
in their response to the urgent needs of over 1.3 million domestic 
violence victims and their children.
  In 2020, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) found 
that in just one day, FVPSA-funded programs helped 76,525 victims of 
domestic violence.
  However, over 11,000 people were unable to be served due to a lack of 
funding.
  This shortage of funding is especially severe with shelters serving 
rural and marginalized populations, and increased funding and 
culturally-specific programs are essential to addressing the needs of 
these communities.
  FVPSA was first passed in 1984 and was most recently reauthorized in 
2010. Its authorization expired in 2015.
  Madam Speaker, this bill marks an historic effort to acknowledge and 
address the unique suffering of family violence survivors from 
marginalized communities.
  Different communities and cultures have different perceptions of 
domestic violence and reactions to it--therefore different communities 
and cultures need different treatments and prevention measures to 
address domestic violence.
  That is why I am proud to support this bill, which includes 
provisions that are tailored to these specific populations.
  Such provisions include:
  1. Providing new grants to local programs serving culturally specific 
or traditionally underserved communities;
  2. Increasing access for survivors from racial and ethnic communities 
to services by creating a national grant program to build the capacity 
to address domestic violence; and
  3. Increasing funding for Native American tribes by allocating tribal 
grants as a set-aside to acknowledge their sovereign authority.
  Simply put, receiving accurate feedback about our efforts will inform 
our decision-making, allowing us to adapt and improve upon our programs 
to reach more minority survivors.
  It is these communities specifically that are in the most need of our 
help.
  In my home state of Texas, 29 percent of domestic violence victims 
are Black despite making up only 12 percent of the population.
  The share of domestic violence victims in Texas who are Native 
American is twice as much as the proportion of Natives in the general 
population.
  In addition to addressing the special needs of minority communities, 
there is a litany of other exciting provisions in this bill that build 
upon the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, such as:
  1. Increasing the funding authorization level to $253 million to 
address chronic underfunding that resulted in 11,000 people not 
receiving services in a single day.
  2. Technologically updating the National Domestic Violence Hotline 
and improving hotline services for underrepresented populations.
  3. Authorizing funding for tribal coalitions, which provide support 
to tribal domestic violence programs but are not currently authorized 
by statute to receive FVPSA funding.
  4. Authorizing new grants of up to $150,000 to each state, 
territorial and tribal coalition to prevent domestic violence.
  A bill of this nature is incredibly important for my home state of 
Texas, where it is estimated that 1 in 3 Texans will be a victim of 
domestic violence during their lifetime.
  Madam Speaker, no member should be complacent with these egregious 
statistics.
  With this bill's increased commitment to prevention and treatment of 
family violence, we are sending a message to survivors that you are not 
forgotten.
  For these reasons, I encourage all Members to support H.R. 2119, the 
``Family Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act.''
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 716, the 
previous question is ordered on the amendments en bloc offered by the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  The question is on the amendments en bloc.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the ayes appeared to have it.
  Mr. CLYDE. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.


       Amendments En Bloc No. 2 Offered by Mr. Scott of Virginia

  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, pursuant to section 3 of House 
Resolution 716, I rise to offer amendments en bloc No. 2.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Clerk will designate the amendments en 
bloc.
  Amendments en bloc No. 2 consisting of amendment Nos. 3 and 7, 
printed in part B of House Report 117-137, offered by Mr. Scott of 
Virginia:


         amendment no. 3 offered by ms. foxx of north carolina

       Page 22, strike lines 12 through 14.
       Page 22, line 15, strike ``(4), as so redesignated'' and 
     insert ``(5)''.
       Page 23, line 8, strike ``(5), as so redesignated'' and 
     insert ``(6)''.


           amendment no. 7 offered by ms. letlow of louisiana

       Strike the text of the committee print and insert the 
     following:

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Family Violence Prevention 
     and Services Improvement Act of 2021''.

     SEC. 2. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       Section 303 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 10403) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``$175,000,000'' and 
     inserting ``$270,000,000''; and
       (2) by striking ``fiscal years 2011 through 2015'' each 
     place such term appears and inserting ``fiscal years 2022 
     through 2026''.

     SEC. 3. LIMITATION ON ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIAL ISSUE RESOURCE 
                   CENTERS.

       Section 310(a) of the Family Violence Prevention and 
     Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10410(a)) is amended by adding at the 
     end the following:
       ``(3) Limitation.--The Secretary shall provide to the 
     Congress not less than 120 days notice before awarding any 
     grant for the establishment of a special issue resource 
     center under paragraph (2)(A)(ii) after the date of the 
     enactment of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     Improvement Act of 2021.''.

     SEC. 4. GAO REVIEW OF RESOURCE CENTERS.

       Section 310 of the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
     Act (42 U.S.C. 10410) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(e) GAO Review.--
       ``(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
     States shall conduct a review of the national resource 
     centers and special issue resource centers authorized under 
     this section and submit a report to the Congress not later 
     than 1 year after the date of the enactment of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021 that 
     includes an evaluation of the effectiveness of the entities 
     receiving a grant under this section at preventing family 
     violence, domestic violence, and dating violence, and 
     providing successful intervention services.
       ``(2) Additional matter.--The report ssubmitted under 
     paragraph (1) shall also include--
       ``(A) an evaluation of the quality of the data submissions 
     by each entity receiving a grant under this section;
       ``(B) recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human 
     Services for improvements to the use of the resource centers; 
     and
       ``(C) an evaluation of the ability of the Department of 
     Health and Human Services to present statutorily-required 
     data on entities receiving a grant under this section to the 
     Congress within the congressionally-mandated timeline.''.

     SEC. 5. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.

       The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 
     10401 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

     ``SEC. 315. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES.

       ``Nothing contained in this title shall be construed to 
     authorize the making of any payment under this title for 
     abortion services or referrals for receipt of such 
     services.''.

     SEC. 6. ACCOUNTABILITY.

       (a) Authority of Secretary.--Section 304(c) of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10404(c)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(c) Reports.--
       ``(1) In general.--Every 2 years, the Secretary shall 
     review and evaluate the activities conducted by grantees, 
     subgrantees, and contractors under this title and the 
     effectiveness of the programs administered pursuant to this 
     title, and submit a report containing the evaluation to the 
     Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate. Such report shall also 
     include--
       ``(A) a summary of the documentation provided to the 
     Secretary through performance reports submitted under 
     sections 306(d), 310(d), 311(g), 312(e), 313(f), and 314(h);
       ``(B) a description of how the grantees, subgrantees, and 
     contractors met the goals of their activities;
       ``(C) a description of how grantees and subgrantees awarded 
     funds under this title use those funds so they are not 
     duplicative of, or overlap with, other Federal, State, local, 
     and private funds directed toward preventing family violence, 
     domestic violence, and dating violence; and
       ``(D) for any of the grantees that continue to receive 
     funding, a description of the changes that were made to their 
     activities to improve services and meet the purpose of the 
     Act.
       ``(2) Public availability.--The Secretary shall make 
     publicly available on the Department of Health and Human 
     Services website, in an easily searchable format, the 
     evaluation reports submitted to Congress under this 
     subsection, including the summary of the documentation 
     provided to the Secretary under sections 306(d), 310(d), 
     311(g), 312(e), 313(f), and 314(h).''.

[[Page H5907]]

       (b) Formula Grants to States.--Section 306(d) of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10406(d)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(d) Reports and Evaluations.--Each grantee shall submit 
     an annual performance report to the Secretary at such time as 
     shall be reasonably required by the Secretary. Such 
     performance report shall describe the grantee and subgrantee 
     activities that have been carried out with grant funds made 
     available under subsection (a) or section 309, including the 
     number of families and individuals served and the types of 
     services rendered, contain an evaluation of the effectiveness 
     of such activities, and provide such additional information 
     as the Secretary may reasonably require.''.
       (c) National Resource Centers and Training and Technical 
     Assistance Centers.--Section 310(d) of the Family Violence 
     Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10410(d)) is amended 
     to read as follows:
       ``(d) Reports and Evaluations.--Each entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall submit a performance report to 
     the Secretary annually and in such manner as shall be 
     reasonably required by the Secretary. Such performance report 
     shall describe the activities that have been carried out with 
     such grant funds, including the number of families and 
     individuals served and the types of services rendered, 
     contain an evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities, 
     and provide such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require''.
       (d) Grants to State Domestic Violence Coalitions.--Section 
     311(g) of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 
     U.S.C. 10411(g)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(g) Reports and Evaluations.--Each entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall submit a performance report to 
     the Secretary annually and in such manner as shall be 
     reasonably required by the Secretary. Such performance report 
     shall describe the activities that have been carried out with 
     such grant funds, including the number of families and 
     individuals served and the types of services rendered, 
     contain an evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities, 
     and provide such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require''.
       (e) Specialized Services for Abused Parents and Their 
     Children.--Section 312(e) of the Family Violence Prevention 
     and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10412(e)) is amended to read as 
     follows:
       ``(e) Reports and Evaluations.--Each entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall submit a performance report to 
     the Secretary annually and in such manner as shall be 
     reasonably required by the Secretary. Such performance report 
     shall describe the activities that have been carried out with 
     such grant funds, including the number of families and 
     individuals served and the types of services rendered, 
     contain an evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities, 
     and provide such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require''.
       (f) National Domestic Violence Hotline Grant.--Section 
     313(f) of the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 
     U.S.C. 10413(f)) is amended to read as follows:
       ``(f) Reports and Evaluations.--Each entity receiving a 
     grant under this section shall submit a performance report to 
     the Secretary annually and in such manner as shall be 
     reasonably required by the Secretary. Such performance report 
     shall describe the activities that have been carried out with 
     such grant funds, including the number of families and 
     individuals served and the types of services rendered, 
     contain an evaluation of the effectiveness of the activities, 
     and provide such additional information as the Secretary may 
     reasonably require''.
       (g) Domestic Violence Prevention Enhancement and Leadership 
     Through Alliances (DELTA).--Section 314(h) of the Family 
     Violence Prevention and Services Act (42 U.S.C. 10414(h)) is 
     amended to read as follows:
       ``(h) Reports and Evaluations.--Each organization entering 
     into a cooperative agreement under this section shall submit 
     a performance report to the Secretary at such time as shall 
     be reasonably required by the Secretary. Such performance 
     report shall describe activities that have been carried out 
     with the funds made available through the agreement, 
     including the number of families and individuals served and 
     the types of services rendered, contain an evaluation of the 
     effectiveness of such activities, and provide such additional 
     information as the Secretary may reasonably require. The 
     Secretary shall make the evaluations received under this 
     subsection publicly available on the Department of Health and 
     Human Services website. The reports shall also be submitted 
     to the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of 
     Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, 
     Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to House Resolution 716, the 
gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott) and the gentlewoman from North 
Carolina (Ms. Foxx) each will control 10 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Virginia.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, the Family Violence Prevention and Services 
Improvement Act provides critical services to victims of domestic 
violence, and faith-based organizations are some of the leading 
providers of these services.
  Unfortunately, the Democrats' bill would change that by adding 
extreme provisions that stray from FVPSA's important purposes and could 
limit participation of the important faith-based providers.
  The substitute amendment offered by Congresswoman Letlow ensures that 
faith-based providers don't have to choose between their beliefs or 
continuing to deliver the vital service and care that help protect 
victims.
  Congresswoman Letlow's amendment also brings much-needed 
accountability to FVPSA. The law currently authorizes the Secretary to 
create domestic violence resource centers, but these resource centers 
have been used to push a radical gender ideology rather than help 
victims of domestic violence.
  That is why the substitute amendment requires the Secretary to 
provide notice to Congress before creating additional resource centers. 
Further, it requires the Government Accountability Office to issue a 
report on the effectiveness of these resource centers and provide 
recommendations for improvements on how they can do a better job 
delivering services to victims.
  It has been too long since Congress has exercised effective oversight 
of this program, and it is time to change that. Beginning with the 
provisions in Congresswoman Letlow's amendment, this law will finally 
have some real accountability metrics.

                              {time}  1330

  The Democrats' bill also strikes a current law provision that 
requires certain grant recipients to obtain funding from sources 
outside the Federal Government, so Federal taxpayers are not on the 
hook for providing all of the funding.
  While Republicans are committed to ensuring taxpayer dollars are used 
efficiently and effectively, Democrats refuse to acknowledge that we 
are nearly $30 trillion in debt. Their radical taxing-and-spending 
spree is intended to create the largest Federal Government expansion 
since the New Deal, and this bill is the latest attempt by the 
Democrats to create further reliance on government, pushing out 
private-sector involvement in these critical programs. That is why the 
amendment I offered ensures the important non-Federal match provision 
under FVPSA remains in place.
  I urge my colleagues to support these amendments, and I reserve the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, there are two amendments in this en bloc. First, as it 
has been explained, the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) has 
offered an amendment to reinstate the State match requirement, and the 
gentlewoman from Louisiana (Ms. Letlow) has offered a substitute 
amendment, leaving out the majority of the programming improvements in 
H.R. 2119 and adding a problematic provision regarding abortion.
  These amendments undermine the bipartisan, bicameral progress 
included in H.R. 2119 and neglect to make any changes or enhancements 
to FVPSA programs.
  These amendments en bloc fail to meet the moment. There are a number 
of things they do:
  They halt the creation of a new resource center on disability and 
domestic violence needed to counter the disproportionate rates of 
intimate partner violence among people with disabilities.
  They prevent Tribal governments from getting the resources they need 
to combat domestic violence, which occurs at alarming rates in Tribal 
communities.
  They strike grants that support survivors from racial and ethnic 
minority groups. Communities of color face disproportionate rates of 
domestic violence and sexual assault and often experience barriers to 
accessing services.

[[Page H5908]]

  They remove the addition of new prevention grants to ensure 
prevention funding goes to every State, Tribe, and territory, despite 
the fact that currently only 10 States receive funding to do any 
prevention work, and this amendment maintains that status quo.
  These amendments would also reinstate State matching fund 
requirements. Particularly during the ongoing pandemic and economic 
crisis, this would create significant operational challenges for 
service providers. For example, nonprofit organizations do not have the 
benefit of guaranteed funding and may struggle to meet match 
requirements. Ultimately, this means fewer services available for 
survivors.
  The amendments en bloc also include a partisan attack on abortion, 
undermining a comprehensive reauthorization that can meaningfully 
improve the lives of survivors of intimate partner violence.
  These amendments inject needless political controversy into this 
debate, undermining the hard work we have done to develop a 
comprehensive reauthorization. Instead of acknowledging the 
complexities of medical decisions for both women and their providers, 
abortion opponents use these bills and amendments like these as a 
distraction.
  These amendments threaten the progress we have made on the bill, and 
therefore I urge a ``no'' vote on amendments en bloc No. 2.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Louisiana (Ms. Letlow).
  Ms. LETLOW. Madam Speaker, I appreciate Dr. Foxx's strong leadership 
of the committee and on this important issue.
  According to CDC estimates, at least one in three Americans has 
experienced sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by a 
partner. For decades, Congress has worked in a bipartisan fashion to 
dedicate resources toward preventing and healing the suffering of these 
victims.
  But today, the bill we are considering, H.R. 2119, the Family 
Violence and Prevention Services Improvement Act, includes several 
highly concerning provisions.
  First, this bill opens the door for entities to spend taxpayer 
dollars on abortions.
  Secondly, it forces an unnecessary conversation about sexual 
orientation and gender identity when these issues have never been a 
part of this bill before and should not be a barrier between people and 
the services they need.
  Our focus must be on supporting survivors and those who use these 
vital resources. That is why my substitute amendment replaces the full 
text of the bill before us with multiple key provisions to ensure 
victims of domestic violence and their dependents receive critical 
assistance to help them in their time of crisis.
  First, my amendment reauthorizes the current Family Violence 
Prevention and Services Act, FVPSA, for the next 5 years, ensuring that 
victims of domestic violence get the lifesaving, supportive services 
they need.
  FVPSA was enacted to save innocent lives, not put them in harm's way. 
That is why my amendment also rejects a change included in the 
Democrats' proposal that could lead to violence prevention dollars 
going to support abortion services. The amendment makes clear that 
Federal law should not support abortions. Upholding the sanctity of 
every human life is of utmost importance, and it is critical to ensure 
that no taxpayer dollars pay for abortions.
  Next, my amendment also protects the ability of faith-based 
organizations to continue helping victims of domestic violence. 
Countless religious organizations work tirelessly to help protect 
victims of domestic violence, but the Democrats' radical abortion 
agenda risks denying victims' access to these providers.
  Finally, my amendment brings much-needed transparency and Federal 
agency accountability to the programs authorized under this law. 
Congress should have safeguards in place to ensure that these resources 
are going to the people who truly need them and not being used to push 
a hidden agenda without the public's knowledge.
  The Republican substitute is a carefully crafted set of reforms that 
puts victims of family violence and the people who serve them first. 
Furthermore, it is a pro-life amendment strongly opposed by Planned 
Parenthood.
  I urge my colleagues to reject the other side's bill and instead 
embrace the commonsense, lifesaving provisions included in the 
Republican substitute amendment.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I believe I have the right to 
close. I am prepared to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, it is critical that we reauthorize FVPSA in 
a bipartisan manner, free from partisan poison pills. The Democrats' 
bill fails to do that, but the Republican amendments would set aside 
politics, ensuring FVPSA continues to offer help to victims of domestic 
violence.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of 
my time to close.
  Madam Speaker, again, the amendments included in this en bloc weaken 
the bill. I urge a ``no'' vote on en bloc No. 2. I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Wasserman Schultz). Pursuant to House 
Resolution 716, the previous question is ordered on the amendments en 
bloc offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Scott).
  The question is on the amendments en bloc.
  The question was taken; and the Speaker pro tempore announced that 
the noes appeared to have it.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution 
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
  Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this question 
are postponed.
  Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, further consideration of H.R. 
2119 is postponed.

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