FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 1997
CONTACT: Christopher M. Changery
(202) 224-2251

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Ben Nighthorse Campbell has introduced a bill to extend the authorization for certain programs under the Native American Programs Act of 1974.

The legislation, S. 459, will extend until fiscal year 2000 the authorization for programs used by Indian Tribes and native communities nationwide to foster economic growth, develop tools for good governance methods and promote social welfare. The administration has requested $38 million in fiscal year 1998 funding for these programs.

These programs are administered through the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The centerpiece of the program are grants made under the social and economic development strategies program, grants to tribes to enhance tribal environmental regulatory capabilities and grants made to preserve and rehabilitate native languages.

The bill is cosponsored by Committee Vice-Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and U.S. Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.), Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) and Frank Murkowski (R-Alaska).

"By awarding annual grants on a competitive basis, the Native American Programs Act promotes self-sufficiency and self-determination by encouraging tribes, villages and other native communities to develop and plan local strategies in economic and social development," Campbell said. "The program is designed to build greater capacity at the tribal level for better governance, more vibrant and diversified economies and social development."

"The ANA program has proven successful for native communities since its inception and has generated widespread support by America's native communities. I urge Congress to quickly pass this reauthorization so these proven tools for development can again be made available to native peoples around the nation."