COMMITTEE ADVANCES THREE BILLS DURING BUSINESS MEETING
WASHINGTON—The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, chaired by Senator John Hoeven (R-ND), today passed the following three bills at its business meeting:
S. 279, the Tribal School Federal Insurance Parity Act, sponsored by Senators John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Tom Udall (D-NM), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Barrasso (R-WY) and Jon Tester (D-MT);
S. 832, A bill to nullify the Supplemental Treaty Between the United States of America and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Indians of Middle Oregon, concluded on November 15, 1865, sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Ron Wyden (D-OR); and
S. 1207, the Navajo Utah Water Rights Settlement Act of 2019, sponsored by Senators Mitt Romney (R-UT), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Martha McSally (R-AZ).
Senator Hoeven highlighted each bill in his opening remarks:
“S. 279 is a legislative fix that would allow employees of Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) tribal grant schools to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program,” said Hoeven.
“S. 832 will nullify the Supplemental Treaty between the United States and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Indians of Middle Oregon, which was executed on November 15, 1865.”
“S. 1207 would resolve water claims and allocations between the State of Utah and the Navajo Nation.”
No amendments were filed to the three bills. The Committee passed the three bills en bloc and by voice vote.
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