Us Congress House Bill HR1177

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/29/24
• Refer: 4/29/24

Caption

Expressing support for the designation of May 5, 2024, as the "National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls".

Impact

The adoption of this resolution could serve to enhance public awareness regarding the severe and disproportionate violence faced by Indigenous women. By officially designating a day of remembrance, the proposal seeks to foster national recognition of these critical issues. The resolution further encourages educational efforts to inform the wider community about the historical and ongoing violence against Indigenous women, potentially influencing national discussions and policies related to law enforcement and resource allocation to affected communities.

Summary

HR1177 is a resolution expressing support for the establishment of May 5, 2024, as the 'National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls'. This legislative proposal arises out of the ongoing crisis surrounding violence against Indigenous women in the United States. According to various studies cited within the text, a staggering percentage of American Indian and Alaska Native women experience violence in their lifetimes, highlighting a significant public safety and health issue that has persisted for decades.

Contention

While HR1177 has garnered widespread support, there may still be discussions around the effectiveness of such awareness days in enacting real change. Some may argue that, while raising awareness is crucial, without accompanying legislative measures to address the systemic issues faced by Indigenous populations—such as inadequate law enforcement responses and limited resources for victim support—the resolution may fall short of achieving substantial outcomes. Ongoing dialogue among policymakers may focus on complementary actions that could further aid in the prevention and investigation of crimes against Indigenous women.