WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senator Tom Udall, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, will lead a legislative hearing to review the Udall-cosponsored Safeguarding Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act, and will co-host a roundtable discussion on the opioid crisis in Indian Country. In addition, Udall will address the Congressional Native Association on the importance of staff diversity in Congress.
On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the committee will hold a legislative hearing to review two bills, including the Udall-cosponsored STOP Act of 2017. Tribal cultural items have immense historical, traditional and spiritual importance, yet they continue to be taken and sold in the United States and overseas in violation of federal and Tribal laws. The lack of an explicit export ban significantly hinders efforts by Tribes to curb the theft, illegal possession, sale, transfer and export of Tribal cultural items internationally. The STOP Act would prohibit exportation of cultural items, increase penalties and establish a group of Tribal members dedicated to preventing future mishandling of cultural items.
Witnesses will include:
John Tahsuda III, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth Fowler, Deputy Director for Management Operations, Indian Health Service, Rockville, Md.
Kurt Riley, Governor, Pueblo of Acoma, Acoma, N.M.
Dave Flute, Chairman, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation, Agency Village, S.D.
On Thursday, Nov. 9, Senator Udall will co-host a roundtable entitled, “Confronting the Crisis: the Opioid Epidemic in Indian Country.” Udall will push administration officials to commit more federal resources to address the opioid epidemic in Native communities. He will also speak with Tribal leaders about current best practices to prevent and treat opioid addiction in Indian Country.
Prior to the roundtable discussion, Udall will address the Congressional Native Staff Association at a discussion panel titled, “The Importance of Diversity in Congress.” Udall will talk about the significance of staff diversity for the future of Native policy.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
WHAT: Udall to preside as vice chairman at Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Legislative Hearing
TIME: Approximately 12:30 p.m. MT / 2:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: 628 Dirksen Senate Office Building. Watch live here.
Thursday, November 9, 2017
WHAT: Udall to address the Congressional Native Staff Association
TIME: Approximately 1:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: SVC-202
WHAT: Udall to co-chair roundtable titled, “Confronting the Crisis: the Opioid Epidemic in Indian Country.”
TIME: Approximately 2:30 p.m. ET
WHERE: 628 Dirksen Senate Office Building.
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