Torres and Newhouse Write to Justice Department Requesting Update on Savanna’s Act Implementation
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Norma Torres and Congressman Dan Newhouse sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland requesting an update on the implementation of Savanna’s Act, legislation passed in 2020 to address the disproportionately high number of missing or murdered Native American women by requiring the Department of Justice to implement additional law enforcement protocols for investigating such cases.
Savanna's Act, introduced by Congresswoman Torres, Congressman Newhouse, and then-Congresswoman Deb Haaland, was signed into law on Oct. 10, 2020. It is named in honor of Savanna LaFontaine-Greywind, a 22-year-old pregnant member of the Spirit Lake Tribe who was tragically murdered in August 2017. The law addresses the historical lack of coordination, record-keeping, and communication between government agencies in Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases, creating new guidelines to respond to such cases and incentivize their implementation.
“For decades, Native American communities have faced disproportionately high rates of assault, abduction, and murder. Savanna’s Act was signed into law three and a half years ago but the crisis remains dire. Congress worked hard with our tribal partners and local advocates to deliver justice to the families and loved ones of these women, and now we urge Attorney General Garland to follow suit and fully implement the law.” said Congresswoman Torres.
“Over three years ago Savanna’s Act was signed into law, yet we are still seeing critical MMIW cases not accounted for. We need immediate answers from Attorney General Garland on the DOJ’s failure to enforce this law and why they are sitting on their hands as this crisis continues to harm indigenous communities in Central Washington and across this country.” said Congressman Newhouse.
The letter reads:
Dear Attorney General Garland:
We write to express our concerns regarding the implementation of Savanna’s Act (Public Law 116-165), bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in October 2020. Savanna’s Act addresses the disturbing increase in murdered and missing Native American women. This law created new guidelines for responding to such cases and incentivizes various law enforcement agencies to implement them. Savanna’s Act works to correct the historical lack of coordination, record-keeping and communication between government agencies in Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) cases.
For decades, Native American and Alaska Native communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of women. These communities consistently experience disproportionately high levels of violence. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native women had the second highest homicide rate in the country in 2020.
While the U.S. Department of Justice has made strides in implementation of this law, further work is needed. There have been reports from around the country that cases of missing Native women continue to fall through the cracks. This is due to a continued lack of communication between law enforcement agencies and Urban Indian Organization regarding MMIP cases (GAO report 22-104045).
We look forward to continuing to partner with you to protect Native women.
We would greatly appreciate your timely responses to the following questions:
1. What barriers exist in the implementation of the processes and procedures signed into law under Savanna’s Act?
2. How many law enforcement agencies across the country have submitted MMIP guidelines to the Department as of the date of this letter?
3. What actions can the U.S. Department of Justice take to encourage and improve communications between law enforcement agencies and local liaisons for MMIP?
4. Does the U.S. Department of Justice require further resources or authorities from Congress in order to fully implement Savanna’s Act?
Thank you for your attention and dedication to this crucial matter.
Sincerely,
Click here to view the letter.
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