Rep. Cole supports creation of task force to tackle violence against Native American women

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) released a statement last week supporting the creation of an interagency task force tasked with addressing the high rate of missing and murdered Native American women and girls.

Native American women in certain tribal communities are 10 times more likely to be murdered than the average American, according to a recent study.

Operation Lady Justice was established by executive order and will be comprised of representatives from tribal and federal law enforcement. The task force will review unsolved cases.

“I am very encouraged that the Trump Administration is prioritizing solutions to combat the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous persons,” Cole said. “For far too long, predators have preyed on Indian Country, especially on native women and vulnerable children. By improving coordination and strengthening the partnership between federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies, we can indeed make communities safer and bring criminals to justice across Indian Country. I am hopeful for the success of these initiatives.”

The Department of Justice also recently created the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Initiative to solve cases in 11 states.

Cole is a member of the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma and is co-chairman of the Congressional Native American Caucus.