Indian Arts and Crafts Amendments Act of 2010

Floor Speech

* Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 725, the Tribal Law and Order Act Amendments of 2010 as amended by the Senate, which would address the issues of violence and sexual assault that occur on Indian Reservations. I would like to thank Congressman ED PASTOR for his leadership in introducing this bill to the House floor.

* Mr. Speaker, the Tribal Law and Order Act is an amendment to H.R. 725, The Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The Tribal Law and Order Act will create accountability measures for the Federal agencies that are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime that occurs on Indian Reservations. The act would also equip Indian tribes with the means necessary to tackle crime within their local areas.

* Mr. Speaker, I am sorry to say that domestic violence and sexual assault occur quite frequently on Indian Reservations. Most of the victims to such violent crimes are Indian women and children. Statistics show that one in three American Indian women will be raped in their lifetime and two out of every five women will face domestic violence. Within most Indian Reservations, very little police patrol takes place and tribal courts have very limited jurisdiction. Currently tribal courts have a maximum sentencing of only one year, and non Indian criminal offenders cannot be tried under tribal courts. These restrictions continue to put innocent men, women, and children at risk for higher incidents of violent and heinous crimes.

* Native American communities continue to suffer from the effects of poverty, substance addiction, and other health related diseases. Unfortunately these communities have been some of the most underserved in our nation. Rampant violent crime that is preventable should not be an outstanding statistic among Indian Reservations. As a Representative from California, a state that has a large population of Native Americans, I am deeply committed to seeing the progress of these communities and ensuring that justice is rightfully served.

* Mr.Speaker, the Senate Amendment to H.R. 725 is a way to ensure that the criminal justice system is improved among Indian nations and also that federal law enforcement becomes more responsive to the instances that occur on tribal land. It is critical that attention be given to our nation's justice system and the victims that rely on it the most in order to seek justice. In conclusion, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 725 as amended by the Senate.

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