This was a vote on a motion to suspend the rules and pass legislation providing training for Native American law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute domestic and sexual violence. The bill also permitted any federal law enforcement officer to investigate sales of counterfeit Indian art products. Current law allowed only Federal Bureau of Investigation officials to investigate such sales.

Motions to suspend the rules limit time allowed for debate, and prohibit members from offering amendments. A two-thirds vote is required to approve the motion and pass a bill, rather than the usual majority.

Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV) urged support for the bill: “This bill…would improve prosecution of unlawful misrepresentation and counterfeiting of American Indian jewelry, pottery, baskets, rugs, and other items...[and] would address the profound public safety needs and provide the additional law enforcement and criminal justice resources sorely needed on Indian reservations across the country.”
 
Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA) argued that Republicans supported the substance of the bill but would oppose it because Democrats had brought up the measure under suspension of the rules -- which prohibits amendments and limits debate time: “There is considerable bipartisan support for what this bill aims to do, and yet today it is being considered before the House using a process and procedure that elicits opposition. Mr. Speaker, let me be clear: The objections that I will express today are focused squarely on the matter in which the House leaders have chosen to have this bill debated….The process being used today [suspension of the rules] to consider this legislation is normally reserved for bills such as naming post offices and congratulating sports teams on winning championships. Addressing crimes against Indians deserves to be considered in a much more serious, thorough process.”

The House agreed to the motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill by a vote of 326-92. All 248 Democrats and 78 Republicans voted “yea.” 92 Republicans voted “nay.” As a result, the House passed legislation providing training for Native American law enforcement officials to investigate and prosecute domestic and sexual violence – and permitting any federal law enforcement officer to investigate sales of counterfeit Indian art products.