September 21, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 163 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Pages H4562-H4565]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            NATIVE AMERICAN BUSINESS INCUBATORS PROGRAM ACT

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (S. 294) to establish a business incubators program within the 
Department of the Interior to promote economic development in Indian 
reservation communities.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                                 S. 294

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

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Native American Business 
     Incubators Program Act''.

     SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds that--
       (1) entrepreneurs face specific challenges when 
     transforming ideas into profitable business enterprises;
       (2) entrepreneurs that want to provide products and 
     services in reservation communities face an additional set of 
     challenges that requires special knowledge;
       (3) a business incubator is an organization that assists 
     entrepreneurs in navigating obstacles that prevent innovative 
     ideas from becoming viable businesses by providing services 
     that include--
       (A) workspace and facilities resources;
       (B) access to capital, business education, and counseling;
       (C) networking opportunities;
       (D) mentorship opportunities; and
       (E) an environment intended to help establish and expand 
     business operations;
       (4) the business incubator model is suited to accelerating 
     entrepreneurship in reservation communities because the 
     business incubator model promotes collaboration to address 
     shared challenges and provides individually tailored services 
     for the purpose of overcoming obstacles unique to each 
     participating business; and
       (5) business incubators will stimulate economic development 
     by providing Native entrepreneurs with the tools necessary to 
     grow businesses that offer products and services to 
     reservation communities.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act:
       (1) Business incubator.--The term ``business incubator'' 
     means an organization that--
       (A) provides physical workspace and facilities resources to 
     startups and established businesses; and
       (B) is designed to accelerate the growth and success of 
     businesses through a variety of business support resources 
     and services, including--
       (i) access to capital, business education, and counseling;
       (ii) networking opportunities;
       (iii) mentorship opportunities; and
       (iv) other services intended to aid in developing a 
     business.
       (2) Eligible applicant.--The term ``eligible applicant'' 
     means an applicant eligible to apply for a grant under 
     section 4(b).
       (3) Indian tribe.--The term ``Indian tribe'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
     Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       (4) Institution of higher education.--The term 
     ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the 
     term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
     U.S.C. 1001).
       (5) Native american; native.--The terms ``Native American'' 
     and ``Native'' have the meaning given the term ``Indian'' in 
     section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education 
     Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
       (6) Native business.--The term ``Native business'' means a 
     business concern that is at least 51-percent owned and 
     controlled by 1 or more Native Americans.
       (7) Native entrepreneur.--The term ``Native entrepreneur'' 
     means an entrepreneur who is a Native American.
       (8) Program.--The term ``program'' means the program 
     established under section 4(a).
       (9) Reservation.--The term ``reservation'' has the meaning 
     given the term in section 3 of the Indian Financing Act of 
     1974 (25 U.S.C. 1452).
       (10) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of the Interior.
       (11) Tribal college or university.--The term ``tribal 
     college or university'' has the meaning given the term 
     ``Tribal College or University'' in section 316(b) of the 
     Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).

     SEC. 4. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.

       (a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish a program in 
     the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development under 
     which the Secretary shall provide financial assistance in the 
     form of competitive grants to eligible applicants for the 
     establishment and operation of business incubators that serve 
     reservation communities by providing business incubation and 
     other business services to Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs.
       (b) Eligible Applicants.--
       (1) In general.--To be eligible to receive a grant under 
     the program, an applicant shall--
       (A) be--
       (i) an Indian tribe;
       (ii) a tribal college or university;
       (iii) an institution of higher education; or
       (iv) a private nonprofit organization or tribal nonprofit 
     organization that--

       (I) provides business and financial technical assistance; 
     and
       (II) will commit to serving 1 or more reservation 
     communities;

       (B) be able to provide the physical workspace, equipment, 
     and connectivity necessary for Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs to collaborate and conduct business on a local, 
     regional, national, and international level; and
       (C) in the case of an entity described in clauses (ii) 
     through (iv) of subparagraph (A), have been operational for 
     not less than 1 year before receiving a grant under the 
     program.
       (2) Joint project.--
       (A) In general.--Two or more entities may submit a joint 
     application for a project that combines the resources and 
     expertise of those entities at a physical location dedicated 
     to assisting Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs under 
     the program.
       (B) Contents.--A joint application submitted under 
     subparagraph (A) shall--
       (i) contain a certification that each participant of the 
     joint project is one of the eligible entities described in 
     paragraph (1)(A); and
       (ii) demonstrate that together the participants meet the 
     requirements of subparagraphs (B) and (C) of paragraph (1).
       (c) Application and Selection Process.--
       (1) Application requirements.--Each eligible applicant 
     desiring a grant under the program shall submit to the 
     Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and 
     containing such information as the Secretary may require, 
     including--
       (A) a certification that the applicant--
       (i) is an eligible applicant;
       (ii) will designate an executive director or program 
     manager, if such director or manager has not been designated, 
     to manage the business incubator; and
       (iii) agrees--

       (I) to a site evaluation by the Secretary as part of the 
     final selection process;
       (II) to an annual programmatic and financial examination 
     for the duration of the grant; and
       (III) to the maximum extent practicable, to remedy any 
     problems identified pursuant to the site evaluation under 
     subclause (I) or an examination under subclause (II);

       (B) a description of the 1 or more reservation communities 
     to be served by the business incubator;
       (C) a 3-year plan that describes--
       (i) the number of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs to be participating in the business incubator;
       (ii) whether the business incubator will focus on a 
     particular type of business or industry;
       (iii) a detailed breakdown of the services to be offered to 
     Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in 
     the business incubator; and
       (iv) a detailed breakdown of the services, if any, to be 
     offered to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs not 
     participating in the business incubator;
       (D) information demonstrating the effectiveness and 
     experience of the eligible applicant in--
       (i) conducting financial, management, and marketing 
     assistance programs designed to educate or improve the 
     business skills of current or prospective businesses;
       (ii) working in and providing services to Native American 
     communities;
       (iii) providing assistance to entities conducting business 
     in reservation communities;
       (iv) providing technical assistance under Federal business 
     and entrepreneurial development programs for which Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs are eligible; and
       (v) managing finances and staff effectively; and
       (E) a site description of the location at which the 
     eligible applicant will provide physical workspace, including 
     a description of the technologies, equipment, and other 
     resources that will be available to Native businesses and 
     Native entrepreneurs participating in the business incubator.
       (2) Evaluation considerations.--
       (A) In general.--In evaluating each application, the 
     Secretary shall consider--
       (i) the ability of the eligible applicant--

       (I) to operate a business incubator that effectively 
     imparts entrepreneurship and business skills to Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs, as demonstrated by the 
     experience and qualifications of the eligible applicant;
       (II) to commence providing services within a minimum period 
     of time, to be determined by the Secretary; and
       (III) to provide quality incubation services to a 
     significant number of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs;

[[Page H4563]]

       (ii) the experience of the eligible applicant in providing 
     services in Native American communities, including in the 1 
     or more reservation communities described in the application; 
     and
       (iii) the proposed location of the business incubator.
       (B) Priority.--
       (i) In general.--In evaluating the proposed location of the 
     business incubator under subparagraph (A)(iii), the Secretary 
     shall--

       (I) consider the program goal of achieving broad geographic 
     distribution of business incubators; and
       (II) except as provided in clause (ii), give priority to 
     eligible applicants that will provide business incubation 
     services on or near the reservation of the 1 or more 
     communities that were described in the application.

       (ii) Exception.--The Secretary may give priority to an 
     eligible applicant that is not located on or near the 
     reservation of the 1 or more communities that were described 
     in the application if the Secretary determines that--

       (I) the location of the business incubator will not prevent 
     the eligible applicant from providing quality business 
     incubation services to Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs from the 1 or more reservation communities to 
     be served; and
       (II) siting the business incubator in the identified 
     location will serve the interests of the 1 or more 
     reservation communities to be served.

       (3) Site evaluation.--
       (A) In general.--Before making a grant to an eligible 
     applicant, the Secretary shall conduct a site visit, evaluate 
     a video submission, or evaluate a written site proposal (if 
     the applicant is not yet in possession of the site) of the 
     proposed site to ensure the proposed site will permit the 
     eligible applicant to meet the requirements of the program.
       (B) Written site proposal.--A written site proposal shall 
     meet the requirements described in paragraph (1)(E) and 
     contain--
       (i) sufficient detail for the Secretary to ensure in the 
     absence of a site visit or video submission that the proposed 
     site will permit the eligible applicant to meet the 
     requirements of the program; and
       (ii) a timeline describing when the eligible applicant will 
     be--

       (I) in possession of the proposed site; and
       (II) operating the business incubator at the proposed site.

       (C) Followup.--Not later than 1 year after awarding a grant 
     to an eligible applicant that submits an application with a 
     written site proposal, the Secretary shall conduct a site 
     visit or evaluate a video submission of the site to ensure 
     the site is consistent with the written site proposal.
       (d) Administration.--
       (1) Duration.--Each grant awarded under the program shall 
     be for a term of 3 years.
       (2) Payment.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), 
     the Secretary shall disburse grant funds awarded to an 
     eligible applicant in annual installments.
       (B) More frequent disbursements.--On request by the 
     applicant, the Secretary may make disbursements of grant 
     funds more frequently than annually, on the condition that 
     disbursements shall be made not more frequently than 
     quarterly.
       (3) Non-federal contributions for initial assistance.--
       (A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an 
     eligible applicant that receives a grant under the program 
     shall provide non-Federal contributions in an amount equal to 
     not less than 25 percent of the grant amount disbursed each 
     year.
       (B) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, 
     the requirements of subparagraph (A) with respect to an 
     eligible applicant if, after considering the ability of the 
     eligible applicant to provide non-Federal contributions, the 
     Secretary determines that--
       (i) the proposed business incubator will provide quality 
     business incubation services; and
       (ii) the 1 or more reservation communities to be served are 
     unlikely to receive similar services because of remoteness or 
     other reasons that inhibit the provision of business and 
     entrepreneurial development services.
       (4) Renewals.--
       (A) In general.--The Secretary may renew a grant award 
     under the program for a term not to exceed 3 years.
       (B) Considerations.--In determining whether to renew a 
     grant award, the Secretary shall consider with respect to the 
     eligible applicant--
       (i) the results of the annual evaluations of the eligible 
     applicant under subsection (f)(1);
       (ii) the performance of the business incubator of the 
     eligible applicant, as compared to the performance of other 
     business incubators receiving assistance under the program;
       (iii) whether the eligible applicant continues to be 
     eligible for the program; and
       (iv) the evaluation considerations for initial awards under 
     subsection (c)(2).
       (C) Non-federal contributions for renewals.--An eligible 
     applicant that receives a grant renewal under subparagraph 
     (A) shall provide non-Federal contributions in an amount 
     equal to not less than 33 percent of the total amount of the 
     grant.
       (5) No duplicative grants.--An eligible applicant shall not 
     be awarded a grant under the program that is duplicative of 
     existing Federal funding from another source.
       (e) Program Requirements.--
       (1) Use of funds.--An eligible applicant receiving a grant 
     under the program may use grant amounts--
       (A) to provide physical workspace and facilities for Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs participating in the 
     business incubator;
       (B) to establish partnerships with other institutions and 
     entities to provide comprehensive business incubation 
     services to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
     participating in the business incubator; and
       (C) for any other uses typically associated with business 
     incubators that the Secretary determines to be appropriate 
     and consistent with the purposes of the program.
       (2) Minimum requirements.--Each eligible applicant 
     receiving a grant under the program shall--
       (A) offer culturally tailored incubation services to Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
       (B) use a competitive process for selecting Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs to participate in the 
     business incubator;
       (C) provide physical workspace that permits Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs to conduct business and 
     collaborate with other Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs;
       (D) provide entrepreneurship and business skills training 
     and education to Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs 
     including--
       (i) financial education, including training and counseling 
     in--

       (I) applying for and securing business credit and 
     investment capital;
       (II) preparing and presenting financial statements; and
       (III) managing cash flow and other financial operations of 
     a business;

       (ii) management education, including training and 
     counseling in planning, organization, staffing, directing, 
     and controlling each major activity or function of a business 
     or startup; and
       (iii) marketing education, including training and 
     counseling in--

       (I) identifying and segmenting domestic and international 
     market opportunities;
       (II) preparing and executing marketing plans;
       (III) locating contract opportunities;
       (IV) negotiating contracts; and
       (V) using varying public relations and advertising 
     techniques;

       (E) provide direct mentorship or assistance finding mentors 
     in the industry in which the Native business or Native 
     entrepreneur operates or intends to operate; and
       (F) provide access to networks of potential investors, 
     professionals in the same or similar fields, and other 
     business owners with similar businesses.
       (3) Technology.--Each eligible applicant shall leverage 
     technology to the maximum extent practicable to provide 
     Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs with access to the 
     connectivity tools needed to compete and thrive in 21st-
     century markets.
       (f) Oversight.--
       (1) Annual evaluations.--Not later than 1 year after the 
     date on which the Secretary awards a grant to an eligible 
     applicant under the program, and annually thereafter for the 
     duration of the grant, the Secretary shall conduct an 
     evaluation of, and prepare a report on, the eligible 
     applicant, which shall--
       (A) describe the performance of the eligible applicant; and
       (B) be used in determining the ongoing eligibility of the 
     eligible applicant.
       (2) Annual report.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date on 
     which the Secretary awards a grant to an eligible applicant 
     under the program, and annually thereafter for the duration 
     of the grant, each eligible applicant receiving an award 
     under the program shall submit to the Secretary a report 
     describing the services the eligible applicant provided under 
     the program during the preceding year.
       (B) Report content.--The report described in subparagraph 
     (A) shall include--
       (i) a detailed breakdown of the Native businesses and 
     Native entrepreneurs receiving services from the business 
     incubator, including, for the year covered by the report--

       (I) the number of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs participating in or receiving services from the 
     business incubator and the types of services provided to 
     those Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs;
       (II) the number of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs established and jobs created or maintained; and
       (III) the performance of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs while participating in the business incubator 
     and after graduation or departure from the business 
     incubator; and

       (ii) any other information the Secretary may require to 
     evaluate the performance of a business incubator to ensure 
     appropriate implementation of the program.
       (C) Limitations.--To the maximum extent practicable, the 
     Secretary shall not require an eligible applicant to report 
     under subparagraph (A) information provided to the Secretary 
     by the eligible applicant under other programs.
       (D) Coordination.--The Secretary shall coordinate with the 
     heads of other Federal agencies to ensure that, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, the report content and form under 
     subparagraphs (A) and (B) are consistent with other reporting 
     requirements for Federal programs that provide business and 
     entrepreneurial assistance.
       (3) Report to congress.--
       (A) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date on 
     which the Secretary first

[[Page H4564]]

     awards funding under the program, and biennially thereafter, 
     the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Indian Affairs 
     of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the 
     House of Representatives a report on the performance and 
     effectiveness of the program.
       (B) Contents.--Each report submitted under subparagraph (A) 
     shall--
       (i) account for each program year; and
       (ii) include with respect to each business incubator 
     receiving grant funds under the program--

       (I) the number of Native businesses and Native 
     entrepreneurs that received business incubation or other 
     services;
       (II) the number of businesses established with the 
     assistance of the business incubator;
       (III) the number of jobs established or maintained by 
     Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs receiving business 
     incubation services, including a description of where the 
     jobs are located with respect to reservation communities;
       (IV) to the maximum extent practicable, the amount of 
     capital investment and loan financing accessed by Native 
     businesses and Native entrepreneurs receiving business 
     incubation services; and
       (V) an evaluation of the overall performance of the 
     business incubator.

     SEC. 5. REGULATIONS.

       Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this 
     Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to implement 
     the program.

     SEC. 6. SCHOOLS TO BUSINESS INCUBATOR PIPELINE.

       The Secretary shall facilitate the establishment of 
     relationships between eligible applicants receiving funds 
     through the program and educational institutions serving 
     Native American communities, including tribal colleges and 
     universities.

     SEC. 7. AGENCY PARTNERSHIPS.

       The Secretary shall coordinate with the Secretary of 
     Agriculture, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of the 
     Treasury, and the Administrator of the Small Business 
     Administration to ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, 
     that business incubators receiving grant funds under the 
     program have the information and materials needed to provide 
     Native businesses and Native entrepreneurs with the 
     information and assistance necessary to apply for business 
     and entrepreneurial development programs administered by the 
     Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the 
     Department of the Treasury, and the Small Business 
     Administration.

     SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the 
     program $5,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2020 through 
     2024.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentlewoman from 
New Mexico (Ms. Haaland) and the gentlewoman from Wyoming (Ms. Cheney) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from New Mexico.


                             General Leave

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from New Mexico?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, S. 294, introduced by Senator Tom Udall from the great 
State of New Mexico, will establish a business incubators program 
within the Department of the Interior to promote entrepreneurship and 
economic development on Indian reservations.
  Indian Tribes face many unique obstacles in their mission to bring 
industry and economic development to Indian Country. The end result is 
an increased cost of doing business in Indian Country, which stifles 
outside investment.
  Moreover, every entrepreneur faces challenges when transforming ideas 
into a profitable business. However, there are specific and unique 
challenges associated with establishing a business in Indian Country 
that put native entrepreneurs at a disadvantage.
  For example, much of the land in Indian Country is held in trust by 
the Federal Government. Consequently, the Secretary of the Interior 
must approve activities on these lands as part of the Federal trust 
responsibility, which creates added expenses and uncertainty for Native 
entrepreneurs and their potential business partners.
  Additionally, since trust land cannot be alienated and cannot be used 
as collateral to obtain financing, Native entrepreneurs must look to 
other methods of raising capital to start and grow their businesses.
  Finally, many Indian nations and reservations are located in rural, 
often remote, areas. The lack of infrastructure in these areas, 
including access to high-speed broadband, is another roadblock that 
prevents Native entrepreneurs from succeeding.
  Enactment of S. 294 will enhance Indian Country's ability to become 
more self-reliant by giving Native entrepreneurs the tools they need to 
develop their businesses and create jobs in reservation communities.
  These incubators will provide essential services, such as a 
workspace, a collaborative environment, comprehensive business skills, 
training, and opportunities to build professional networks.
  Also, by involving institutions of higher learning in the incubator 
program, including Tribal colleges and universities, the bill will 
establish the vital school-to-business pipeline that has been proven to 
be so successful for startups.
  I am proud to be the sponsor of the House version of this 
legislation, along with members of the Congressional Native American 
Caucus, Representatives   Tom Cole,   Don Young, and Norma Torres, and 
I hope that my colleagues will join me in supporting S. 294.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. CHENEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, S. 294 recognizes the important role that business 
incubators can play in generating economic growth and economic activity 
and supporting our Tribal businesses. I thank my colleague very much 
for bringing this legislation to the floor here in the House.
  As defined in this bill, Madam Speaker, a business incubator is an 
organization that provides physical workspace and facilities resources 
to startups and established businesses.
  As my colleague has pointed out, there are many challenges that are 
unique to our Tribal communities that this bill will help to focus on 
and help members of our Tribes overcome.
  By offering services that range from workplace enhancement, 
comprehensive skills training, and networking assistance, business 
incubators have been a reliable and consistent solution to many of the 
challenges startup businesses face around the country and to many of 
the challenges that continue to plague Indian Country.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and 
I yield back the balance of my time.

                              {time}  1245

  Ms. HAALAND. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, because I won't be here this afternoon, I would like 
to take a moment to speak on two significant missing and murdered 
indigenous women bills coming to the floor today: S. 982, the Not 
Invisible Act, and S. 227, Savanna's Act.
  Madam Speaker, I thank the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, for ensuring 
these bills are heard today and highlighting this critical issue that 
has been overlooked for too long.
  First, S. 982, the Not Invisible Act, introduced by Senator Cortez 
Masto of Nevada, will help combat the longstanding missing and murdered 
indigenous women crisis. This bill will establish an advisory committee 
on violent crime to make recommendations to the Department of the 
Interior and Department of Justice to establish best practices to 
combat the epidemic of missing persons, murder, and trafficking of 
Native Americans and Alaska Natives. It will also create a point person 
within the Bureau of Indian Affairs charged with improving coordination 
of violent crime prevention efforts across Federal agencies.
  All this work will be undertaken with an understanding of the unique 
challenges faced by Tribal communities when combating crime, violence, 
and human trafficking. The advisory committee will be comprised of 
local law enforcement, Federal partners, service providers, and, most 
importantly, survivors and Tribal leaders.
  This bill is about including indigenous voices by putting Native 
American survivors in the driver's seat on the crisis of missing and 
murdered indigenous women that has plagued Tribal communities for 
centuries. The Not Invisible Act is about elevating indigenous voices, 
because survivors of these

[[Page H4565]]

horrific crimes and Tribal leaders know what is best for their own 
communities.
  Throughout history, the Federal Government has told Tribes and Native 
people how they should approach issues on their own lands without 
intentionally including their voices. Often, these one-sided solutions 
have fallen short or no real action was taken. I am here today to tell 
you that photo ops and empty promises are no longer enough.
  While there are many Federal programs and resources that can be used 
to combat violent crimes in Indian Country, there is no overarching 
plan or strategy to do so. There is little awareness or coordination of 
services, and Federal resources may not consider the actual needs of 
American Indians and Alaska Natives. These unique cultural 
considerations and the complex framework of criminal jurisdiction on 
Tribal lands simply cannot be navigated by a one-size-fits-all 
approach. More importantly, a real solution will never be found without 
the voices of indigenous survivors, which is what is so special about 
this bill.
  The crisis of missing, murdered, and trafficked Native women has 
devastated families and communities but has gone unaddressed throughout 
history. These losses are an open wound in our Tribal communities and 
add to the generational trauma facing Native American families that 
many of us have experienced.
  That is why my dear friends and colleagues, Representatives   Tom 
Cole, Sharice Davids, and Markwayne Mullin, helped me introduce this 
bill in the House as the first bill in history to be sponsored by four 
federally recognized Tribal members of the Pueblo of Laguna, the 
Chickasaw Nation, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the Cherokee Nation, 
respectively.
  Enactment of S. 982 will be one step toward finally acknowledging the 
pain that our families have felt and giving our survivors the platform 
that they need to begin healing the open wound Native American people, 
especially our women, have felt in this country for so long.
  My hope is that, together, we can use the Not Invisible Act to do 
just that: not be invisible anymore.
  The second bill that I would like to highlight is S. 227, Savanna's 
Act. This bill was introduced by Senator Murkowski and is named in 
honor of Savanna Greywind, who was a 22-year-old member of the Spirit 
Lake Tribe.
  Savanna was 8 months pregnant when she was tragically murdered in 
August of 2017. At the time of her death, she had recently gotten a job 
as a nursing assistant and was looking forward to starting her family 
by welcoming her first child with her partner, Ashton, in North Dakota. 
However, this ended abruptly when Savanna was brutally strangled after 
having her child removed from her belly in a violent attack.
  Savanna was just one of the many Native American women who have been 
victims of the silent crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women 
in the United States. Native women experience murder rates 10 times 
higher than the national average, and murder is the third leading cause 
of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Eighty-four percent 
of Native women endure violence during their lifetime, and they are 
twice as likely to experience sexual assault or rape in their lifetimes 
than any other group. This is unacceptable.

  Even though these alarming rates persist, there are no reliable 
systems available to track this data or know exactly how many Native 
American women and girls go missing each year, because the databases 
that hold statistics of these cases are outdated and there is a lack of 
coordination between local, State, and Tribal law enforcement agencies.
  Savanna's Act addresses these discrepancies to find practical 
solutions to address the epidemic of missing and murdered indigenous 
women by approving Tribes' access to Federal crime information 
databases, requiring the United States to track and publish data 
relating to the disappearance of our women, and providing training and 
technical assistance to Tribal law enforcement agencies to adequately 
respond to these cases.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Norma Torres for inviting me to 
colead this critical piece of legislation to help improve data 
collection of indigenous women where none exists to help law 
enforcement follow-up rates and response times for cases that take 
place on and off Tribal lands.
  Most importantly, this bill will help develop new guidelines to 
improve law enforcement communications with families of victims to 
disseminate information of cases involving their loved ones, which is 
crucial, because many times no efforts are made to update families 
currently.
  To the former partner of Savanna, Ashton Matheny, and her daughter, 
Haisley Jo, who turned 3, 1 month ago today, I would like to send my 
sincerest condolences to their family. While the passage of this bill 
will never make up for their devastating loss, I hope that it brings 
honor to Haisley's mother, and know that it will impact generations to 
come.
  I am proud to be the sponsor and colead of the House versions of S. 
982, the Not Invisible Act, and S. 227, Savanna's Act, to help address 
the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting both of 
these bills.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentlewoman from New Mexico (Ms. Haaland) that the House suspend the 
rules and pass the bill, S. 294.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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