BY STAFF REPORTS

WASHINGTON – In a step to protect Native American women, the U.S. Senate on April 26 passed Senate Bill 1925, the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2012.  

The bill addresses the epidemic of violence perpetrated against American Indian and Alaska Native women by restoring concurrent tribal criminal jurisdiction over all people who commit misdemeanor domestic and dating violence in Indian Country. It also clarifies tribal court authority to issue and enforce civil protection orders. Additionally, it strengthens federal authority to address violent felonies on Indian reservations.

National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel praised the Senate’s action.  

“It was encouraging to see our leaders in the Senate put aside partisan politics and pass a bill that protects and serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence across the country, including our Native sisters, mothers, and daughters,” he said. “Today’s vote on the VAWA reauthorization represents a historic vote for Native people and tribal sovereignty. Now, we must turn our full attention to the House and count on the same good will and bipartisanship to turn this bill into law and make these protections a reality.”

Sen. Daniel Akaka, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and sponsor of the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act, spoke about the bill’s key tribal provisions. 

“This bill’s tribal provisions address the epidemic rates of violence against Native women by enabling VAWA programs to more directly and promptly respond to their concerns and needs,” he said. “These tribal provisions are critical to the lives of Native women and doubly important to me as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and a Native Hawaiian.”

SB 1925 passed the Senate on a 68-31 vote. As a next step for the legislation, the House Judiciary Committee has scheduled a markup for May 8.