Rep. Tom Cole, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 4th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Tom Cole, U.S. Representative for Oklahoma's 4th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) addressed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies about the pressing issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. In his statement, he highlighted the disproportionate targeting of Native American and Alaska Native women and girls by dangerous predators.
Cole referenced data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that indicates a murder rate for Native women and girls that is ten times higher than the national average. He noted the situation in Oklahoma, which ranks second among states with Native American and Alaska Native missing persons cases. "Yet, while these statistics are alarming, data collection is unfortunately still lacking, and it will require sufficient awareness and resources to solve this crisis once and for all," said Congressman Cole.
As an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and the longest-serving Native American in the House of Representatives, Cole emphasized his commitment to raising awareness on this issue. "We cannot give predators a place to prey anywhere, including in Indian Country," he stated.
###
Alerts Sign-up