Welcome to FCNL’s Native American Legislative Update! The NALU is a monthly newsletter about FCNL’s Native American policy advocacy and ways for you to engage your members of Congress. FCNL’s Congressional Advocate for Native American policy is Lacina Tangnaqudo Onco (Shinnecock/Kiowa).
Urge the Senate to Support the Crime Victims Fund
A 5% set-aside for tribal law enforcement in the Crime Victims Fund enables Native American communities to heal and prevent crime.
On Wednesday, May 9, FCNL hosted a community dialogue on the crisis of violence against Native Women. The event, hosted at FCNL’s Quaker Welcome Center, was organized to observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls, May 5.
During the event, congressional leaders and Native American advocates discussed Savanna’s Act (S.1942/H.R.4485). This bill, if passed, would create a standard protocol for law enforcement to respond to cases of missing and murdered Native Americans. It also expands tribal access to criminal databases. Another important piece of legislation, the SURVIVE (Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment) Act (S.1870/H.R.4443) would create a permanent 5% tribal set-aside in the Crime Victims Fund to help Native communities prevent and heal from crime.
Read more:
| Bill Tracker |
Savanna’s Act (S.1942/H.R.4485):Addresses the crisis of missing and murdered Native women by creating a standard protocol for law enforcement and expanding tribal access to criminal databases. SURVIVE Act (S.1870/H.R.4443):Provides a permanent 5% set-aside for tribes from the Crime Victims Fund, which supports victims provides grants for crime prevention and healing. Urban Indian Health Parity Act (S.2146/H.R. 4443)Allows urban Indian health centers to be fully reimbursed by the Federal Government for Medicaid expenditures. |
On the Road
In April, I traveled to Alaska to participate in the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s annual “Protecting Our Children” conference. As part of her travel, I spent time visiting with community organizations and advocates across Alaska. Learn more about my time in Alaska!
