For Immediate Release
September 24, 2021
Contact:
Manu Tupper or Mike Inacay (Schatz) at press@indian.senate.gov
SCHATZ APPLAUDS ENACTMENT OF INDIAN AFFAIRS BILL TO SUPPORT NATIVE CHILDREN
HONOLULU – U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, issued the following statement upon President Biden’s signing of S. 325, which extends the deadline for the Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children to submit its report to Congress and the President by two years. Schatz previously joined the bill as a cosponsor.
“The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission has a critical responsibility to report to Congress on the unique issues facing Native children and recommendations to address those issues,” said Chairman Schatz. “But COVID-19 has disrupted the Commission’s regular business and impacted its ability to complete its work on schedule. The law signed by President Biden today ensures the Commission has the time it needs to compile a full report that best serves Native children’s interests.”
The Alyce Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children Act established the Commission to bring together experts in juvenile justice, social work, education, and mental and physical health to identify and address issues facing Native children. The Commission must also submit a report to Congress and the President containing findings and recommendations by a statutory deadline.
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